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The Icing on the Cupcake
In this delectable novel—complete with recipes—Jennifer Ross frosts a sweet story of a young woman fulfilling her dreams, one delicious cupcake at a time.
In Ansley Waller’s world of Southern belles and gentlemen, getting a diamond ring isn’t just important—it’s the ultimate goal. So when her fiancé, Parish, unceremoniously kicks her to the curb and cancels their upcoming wedding, Ansley is so ashamed that she decides to leave Dallas and make a fresh start. In a surprise move, she heads to New York City to live with her recently widowed grandmother, Vivian, whom she’s never met. In turn, Vivian gives Ansley a no-nonsense Rather than wallow in misery, either get a job or go home.
The Waller women have a tradition of baking their way out of sorrow. So Ansley mixes batch after batch of creative cupcakes—Black Bottom Heartache, Moving Blues Banana Caramel, Tres Leches Made Small. Before long, she’s opening up her own cupcake shop and even trying her hand at dating. But the ways of Manhattan’s eligible bachelors are altogether different from their Southern counterparts, and Ansley’s nearly fail-safe tactics fall flat. And worse, someone’s got a half-baked scheme to sabotage Ansley’s new life. It’ll take a cup of courage and a dash of Southern charm, plus a few secret ingredients, if Ansley hopes to pull off her recipe for success.
In Ansley Waller’s world of Southern belles and gentlemen, getting a diamond ring isn’t just important—it’s the ultimate goal. So when her fiancé, Parish, unceremoniously kicks her to the curb and cancels their upcoming wedding, Ansley is so ashamed that she decides to leave Dallas and make a fresh start. In a surprise move, she heads to New York City to live with her recently widowed grandmother, Vivian, whom she’s never met. In turn, Vivian gives Ansley a no-nonsense Rather than wallow in misery, either get a job or go home.
The Waller women have a tradition of baking their way out of sorrow. So Ansley mixes batch after batch of creative cupcakes—Black Bottom Heartache, Moving Blues Banana Caramel, Tres Leches Made Small. Before long, she’s opening up her own cupcake shop and even trying her hand at dating. But the ways of Manhattan’s eligible bachelors are altogether different from their Southern counterparts, and Ansley’s nearly fail-safe tactics fall flat. And worse, someone’s got a half-baked scheme to sabotage Ansley’s new life. It’ll take a cup of courage and a dash of Southern charm, plus a few secret ingredients, if Ansley hopes to pull off her recipe for success.
323 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
May 1, 2010
Ansley Waller is a Texas girl born and bred. Though she received her college degree, the only thing she wants is to be a wife and mother. She believes that certain people are entitled to the best and in her eyes; she is one of the entitled. Things have always gone her way. She had dated Parrish for two years and they have been engaged for two months, but they are not getting married for another year. Since the age of ten, she has been a spoiled brat; being nice to people to their face and then talking about them behind their back. Her meanness only grew worse, though she does not realize it. Like Waller women for generations, Ansley bakes away her sorrows. There is even a book of special recipes handed down for mother to daughter through the generations. The recipe must be outstanding and have a few endorsements to make it in the book. Now in possession of the book, she hopes to contribute to it. Ansley started baking when she was five and found that she loved baking cupcakes most of all.
Attending a party with Parrish one evening, Ansley saw that one of the girls was very upset; her boyfriend had invited her to dinner to tell her their relationship was going to be long distance, he was leaving the country. The girl had thought he was going to propose. Ansley adamantly told the girl that there was no way her boyfriend would marry her now, making matters worse. What she did not know was that Parrish had been watching and listening to her the whole time. Prior to their engagement, Ansley had been doting, seductive, demure and going along with whatever Parrish wanted to do. But since the engagement, he had noticed a difference in her. Unable to take it any longer, he broke off their engagement, in front of everyone. Retrieving his family’s heirloom ring, he left with a smile on his face.
Ansley could not take the pitying looks from her sorority sisters, especially Patty, who was constantly there for her. So she announced that she was moving to New York , where her grandmother lives, although she never met her recently widowed maternal grandmother, Vivian. Ansley’s mother, Hattie, was hysterical about her leaving. After all, Hattie’s mother had left her husband and child when Hattie was only five years old.
In New York , her grandmother gives her an ultimatum; stop wallowing and find a job or she was sending her home. After spending a couple days baking cupcakes, she took them out to Central Park and tried giving them away. In the process, she met a new friend, Dot, who gave her the idea of opening a cupcakery. Hoping to surprise her grandmother, she uses what money she has to open her new business, THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE, and she even tries her hand at dating again. But she soon learns that New York men are completely different from Southern men and the tactics she has used in the past no longer work. To make matters worse, someone is out to sabotage her business and perhaps, her life. Who could possibly hate her this much?
Author Jennifer Ross’ novel, THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is absolutely scrumptious; as are the recipes she includes and incorporates in her story. Ansley begins her painful passage from girlhood to womanhood, as she begins to think about her past behavior and where she went wrong, ultimately, taking steps to change herself for the better. She also goes through a bit of a culture shock as she leaves behind the southern hospitality for the northern reserve. This story also deals with the heartaches and joys of motherhood as the three women, Ansley, Vivian and Hattie interact in their differing relationships. With plot twists, diverse, well-drawn characters, the struggles of starting a business, past mistakes, new beginnings and a surprising ending, this book is unforgettable. THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKES is a welcome addition to my keeper shelf. This reviewer hopes that this is only the beginning of a new series. I highly recommend THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. Do not miss it!
Attending a party with Parrish one evening, Ansley saw that one of the girls was very upset; her boyfriend had invited her to dinner to tell her their relationship was going to be long distance, he was leaving the country. The girl had thought he was going to propose. Ansley adamantly told the girl that there was no way her boyfriend would marry her now, making matters worse. What she did not know was that Parrish had been watching and listening to her the whole time. Prior to their engagement, Ansley had been doting, seductive, demure and going along with whatever Parrish wanted to do. But since the engagement, he had noticed a difference in her. Unable to take it any longer, he broke off their engagement, in front of everyone. Retrieving his family’s heirloom ring, he left with a smile on his face.
Ansley could not take the pitying looks from her sorority sisters, especially Patty, who was constantly there for her. So she announced that she was moving to New York , where her grandmother lives, although she never met her recently widowed maternal grandmother, Vivian. Ansley’s mother, Hattie, was hysterical about her leaving. After all, Hattie’s mother had left her husband and child when Hattie was only five years old.
In New York , her grandmother gives her an ultimatum; stop wallowing and find a job or she was sending her home. After spending a couple days baking cupcakes, she took them out to Central Park and tried giving them away. In the process, she met a new friend, Dot, who gave her the idea of opening a cupcakery. Hoping to surprise her grandmother, she uses what money she has to open her new business, THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE, and she even tries her hand at dating again. But she soon learns that New York men are completely different from Southern men and the tactics she has used in the past no longer work. To make matters worse, someone is out to sabotage her business and perhaps, her life. Who could possibly hate her this much?
Author Jennifer Ross’ novel, THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is absolutely scrumptious; as are the recipes she includes and incorporates in her story. Ansley begins her painful passage from girlhood to womanhood, as she begins to think about her past behavior and where she went wrong, ultimately, taking steps to change herself for the better. She also goes through a bit of a culture shock as she leaves behind the southern hospitality for the northern reserve. This story also deals with the heartaches and joys of motherhood as the three women, Ansley, Vivian and Hattie interact in their differing relationships. With plot twists, diverse, well-drawn characters, the struggles of starting a business, past mistakes, new beginnings and a surprising ending, this book is unforgettable. THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKES is a welcome addition to my keeper shelf. This reviewer hopes that this is only the beginning of a new series. I highly recommend THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. Do not miss it!
May 25, 2010
Perfect pick-me-up for the heartbroken and disheartened Southern Belle. Divulges charming cupcake recipes and baking secrets.
April 27, 2010
So this book....is one of my favorites at this moment! It made me think about how has I grow up the dreams I have my come true or they may not. But, now after reading this I come to realize when you dream the dreams seem so perfect and reality they are nothing but! So all you can do is stay true to your self?
May 10, 2010
Just like the title sounds, this book was a literary cupcake: sweet, fun, in some ways well-crafted. I couldn't put the book down, breezing through it in 3 days. I loved the story of a young Texas woman working through heartbreak, starting a new life while getting to know her estranged grandmother in New York City. My one complaint was that the last few chapters move along a little too fast -- maybe simplifying complex story lines a tad too much even for fluffy chick-lit. (Thus the four stars, and not five stars.) I look forward to baking some of the yummy-looking cupcake recipes found at the end of, and inspired by, each chapter.
April 17, 2010
Pulling off a well drawn Southern woman is hard. Ansley is not only fleshed out my opinion of her arches with the story. I start out not liking her and grow to like her. I understand her struggles. Who hasn't been started at ground zero and had to build a life?
Vivian, the grandmother, is complex and is given enough space to develop. This is something I don't often see in novels or movies. I like reading about women over fifty and their lives.
Vivian, the grandmother, is complex and is given enough space to develop. This is something I don't often see in novels or movies. I like reading about women over fifty and their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2010
Really liked this book. It was an easy read, and the characters were likeable and well developed. Really enjoyed the cupcake recipes included, especially since I am a huge cupcake fan!
May 4, 2010
VERY cute book with recipes to boot!
May 27, 2010
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to trying some of the cupcake recipes!
June 17, 2010
I really liked this book. It had good humor and also included actual cupcake recipes throughout the book. Makes you want to cheer on the young lady in the book!
January 27, 2019
Southern belle Ansley Waller's ultimate goal is to get a diamond ring, but her life is turned upside down when her fiancé calls off their wedding. Embarrassed by her predicament, Ansley leaves Dallas, Texas to live with her recently widowed grandmother Vivian in New York City. Tired of her granddaughter wallowing in misery, Vivian gives Ansley an ultimatum . . . get a job or go home. Ansley decides to open her own bakery, and before long, she's even dating. However, the men in Manhattan are vastly different than the ones back home, and her flirting falls flat. On top of that, someone is trying to sabotage her new business.
The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross is not a book I normally would have picked up on my own, but it was a book club pick. It definitely falls into the categories of chick lit, cozy mystery, and beach reads. Let me begin with what I actually liked about the book. I enjoyed the recipes at the end of each chapter, and I swore I would make some of the recipes. However, that has yet to happen. The other things I liked about it was that it was entertaining to a point, an easy read, and I did want to find out who was sabotaging the main character Ansley. So, it is written well enough that it made me want to finish the book.
With all of that being said, I hated how southern girls and women were portrayed because they are made out to be conniving, spoiled brats who will go to any lengths to get what they want without caring who they step on to get there. I will be the first one to say that there are those types of people in the South, but to stereotype every single one them like that is a bit much for my taste. On top of that, it wouldn't take Ansley's fiancé Parish two years to find out how catty and mean she actually is. One of the lessons I learned in my communications classes in university was that people can't hide their true selves for long, and true personalities start to emerge after six months.
And, the most outlandish things about the entire book is that Patty (who is now engaged to Parish) sent her cousin Dot up to New York City to spy on Ansley, become friends with her, and report back to Patty because she is that jealous that Ansley might just be successful at something. Who does that? On top of that, Patty is so insecure that she travels to NYC herself and tries to run over Ansley with a car. Then, Parish visits Ansley in the hospital and wants to get back with her. Seriously? Can we say this is an absolutely ridiculous scenario.
I truly wanted to love The Icing on the Cupcake, but I didn't love it. There were way too many negatives for me, and I could only rate this book two out of five stars.
If you enjoyed my review of this book, please check out my other book reviews at www.therunningbibliophile.com?utm_sou...
The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross is not a book I normally would have picked up on my own, but it was a book club pick. It definitely falls into the categories of chick lit, cozy mystery, and beach reads. Let me begin with what I actually liked about the book. I enjoyed the recipes at the end of each chapter, and I swore I would make some of the recipes. However, that has yet to happen. The other things I liked about it was that it was entertaining to a point, an easy read, and I did want to find out who was sabotaging the main character Ansley. So, it is written well enough that it made me want to finish the book.
With all of that being said, I hated how southern girls and women were portrayed because they are made out to be conniving, spoiled brats who will go to any lengths to get what they want without caring who they step on to get there. I will be the first one to say that there are those types of people in the South, but to stereotype every single one them like that is a bit much for my taste. On top of that, it wouldn't take Ansley's fiancé Parish two years to find out how catty and mean she actually is. One of the lessons I learned in my communications classes in university was that people can't hide their true selves for long, and true personalities start to emerge after six months.
And, the most outlandish things about the entire book is that Patty (who is now engaged to Parish) sent her cousin Dot up to New York City to spy on Ansley, become friends with her, and report back to Patty because she is that jealous that Ansley might just be successful at something. Who does that? On top of that, Patty is so insecure that she travels to NYC herself and tries to run over Ansley with a car. Then, Parish visits Ansley in the hospital and wants to get back with her. Seriously? Can we say this is an absolutely ridiculous scenario.
I truly wanted to love The Icing on the Cupcake, but I didn't love it. There were way too many negatives for me, and I could only rate this book two out of five stars.
If you enjoyed my review of this book, please check out my other book reviews at www.therunningbibliophile.com?utm_sou...
June 22, 2010
No one likes to be dumped.
Especially by your fiancée.
But Ansley Waller finds herself dumped, discarded and almost immediately replaced by her fiancée with her sorority sister. What is a girl to do other than pack up for New York City to reconnect with a grandmother she’s never met, start a “cupcakery” on the Upper East Side and try to mend her broken heart.
I’m not a prolific “chick lit” reader – but Jennifer Ross’s The Icing on the Cupcake was a reasonable representation of the genre.
Ansley shows great determination when she arrives in New York by honing her baking skills and putting them to use as the proprietor of her own shop. While living with her grandmother, Ansley helps her navigate the red tape of a potential audit with the IRS, all the while trying to determine if her grandmother’s financial advisor, Thad, is at all interested in her or not.
There is an additional layer to this novel that includes Ansley’s family cook book – a collection of multigenerational recipes from Ansley’s ancestral maternal grandmothers. It is a priceless heirloom, and recipes submitted to this tome are considered sacred. What the reader learns is that it is more than a cookbook – but a history book as well.
And the recipes included in the book look delicious! I was going to attempt to bake one of the more “simple” recipes but A) Even I couldn’t find potato starch and B) when it’s 101 degrees outside, the last thing I wanted to do was turn on the oven. No way!
However, what was a pleasant enough story ends in a very bizarre, “Fatal Attraction” scenario that comes completely out of left field. It was just plain silly and odd. And that soured the whole book.
Sum it up: If you like chick lit and cupcake recipes, but don’t care about a wacky ending, this is the book for you.
Book source: Thank you to Jennifer Ross for a copy of this book. I was not compensated in any way for my review.
Especially by your fiancée.
But Ansley Waller finds herself dumped, discarded and almost immediately replaced by her fiancée with her sorority sister. What is a girl to do other than pack up for New York City to reconnect with a grandmother she’s never met, start a “cupcakery” on the Upper East Side and try to mend her broken heart.
I’m not a prolific “chick lit” reader – but Jennifer Ross’s The Icing on the Cupcake was a reasonable representation of the genre.
Ansley shows great determination when she arrives in New York by honing her baking skills and putting them to use as the proprietor of her own shop. While living with her grandmother, Ansley helps her navigate the red tape of a potential audit with the IRS, all the while trying to determine if her grandmother’s financial advisor, Thad, is at all interested in her or not.
There is an additional layer to this novel that includes Ansley’s family cook book – a collection of multigenerational recipes from Ansley’s ancestral maternal grandmothers. It is a priceless heirloom, and recipes submitted to this tome are considered sacred. What the reader learns is that it is more than a cookbook – but a history book as well.
And the recipes included in the book look delicious! I was going to attempt to bake one of the more “simple” recipes but A) Even I couldn’t find potato starch and B) when it’s 101 degrees outside, the last thing I wanted to do was turn on the oven. No way!
However, what was a pleasant enough story ends in a very bizarre, “Fatal Attraction” scenario that comes completely out of left field. It was just plain silly and odd. And that soured the whole book.
Sum it up: If you like chick lit and cupcake recipes, but don’t care about a wacky ending, this is the book for you.
Book source: Thank you to Jennifer Ross for a copy of this book. I was not compensated in any way for my review.
December 8, 2010
This is stupid book. It isn't well written and is very sterotypical. It claims southern girls only want to get married and New York girls want a career. Being a southern girl I find this offensive. I and all of my friends married or not have careers. Life isn't over if you don't get married right out of school. Also the author wrote that Baylor has sorority houses. It does not. She needs to check her facts better next time.
I will say that I liked this book better as I read. My glad the author didn't give it a predictable ending where Ansley ended up with a guy.
I will say that I liked this book better as I read. My glad the author didn't give it a predictable ending where Ansley ended up with a guy.
February 25, 2017
I loved this book. I read it within a week. I don't know why this author hasn't written anymore.
Read
November 23, 2025what a wild misrepresentation of Baylor sorority life?
July 3, 2012
Originally posted at PaperbackDolls.com.
Recipes Included!
I love reading books about food, particularly books about baked goods. And when a fictitious book about food also contains recipes I’m pleased as punch to add it to be to-be-read list.
The Icing on the Cupcake is a tale of family, friends, heartache, mistakes, revenge, love, humor, and cupcakes. Each chapter ends with a different and intriguing cupcake recipe that really sends your appetite into overdrive.
With lovable and loathsome characters, vastly different settings, and recipe after recipe, Jennifer Ross not only paints a candid picture of the New York lifestyle but the Texas lifestyle as well.
Ansley is beside herself with grief. The love of her life, Parish, broke off their engagement because he claimed that she was too mean to like. Her dreams of becoming a Texas housewife have been shattered and she is left confused and in search for a new path to take in life. Her grandmother abandoned her mother and grandfather decades ago to move to New York, leaving Ansley’s mother broken and fragile. But Ansley decides to give her grandmother and New York a chance, hoping to discover a new way of life for herself and ultimately happiness.
Ansley befriends a southern belle named Dot and decides to use her life savings to open a cupcake bakery. Meanwhile, after the death of her husband, Ansley’s grandmother, Vivian, is in the middle of an IRS audit that not only reveals a sinister revenge plot against her but also the feelings that she is developing for Agent #1432 in the process. Can Ansley get her business up and running, save her grandmother from tax evasion charges, forget about Parish, and bring her mother and grandmother back together?
The Icing on the Cupcake is a cute read. Many of the characters are likable and the villains are loathsome. Jennifer Ross paints a quaint picture of Texas and a glitzy picture of New York through her writing. Each of the two settings brought something different and endearing to the novel.
With several recipes included and numerous mentions of food, The Icing on the Cupcake is sure to strike up an appetite for readers. Throughout the novel, the reader witnesses a change for the better in each of the main characters, bringing overall satisfaction to the reader by the end of the book. The plot was typical of its genre, but overall fun to read.
Recipes Included!
I love reading books about food, particularly books about baked goods. And when a fictitious book about food also contains recipes I’m pleased as punch to add it to be to-be-read list.
The Icing on the Cupcake is a tale of family, friends, heartache, mistakes, revenge, love, humor, and cupcakes. Each chapter ends with a different and intriguing cupcake recipe that really sends your appetite into overdrive.
With lovable and loathsome characters, vastly different settings, and recipe after recipe, Jennifer Ross not only paints a candid picture of the New York lifestyle but the Texas lifestyle as well.
Ansley is beside herself with grief. The love of her life, Parish, broke off their engagement because he claimed that she was too mean to like. Her dreams of becoming a Texas housewife have been shattered and she is left confused and in search for a new path to take in life. Her grandmother abandoned her mother and grandfather decades ago to move to New York, leaving Ansley’s mother broken and fragile. But Ansley decides to give her grandmother and New York a chance, hoping to discover a new way of life for herself and ultimately happiness.
Ansley befriends a southern belle named Dot and decides to use her life savings to open a cupcake bakery. Meanwhile, after the death of her husband, Ansley’s grandmother, Vivian, is in the middle of an IRS audit that not only reveals a sinister revenge plot against her but also the feelings that she is developing for Agent #1432 in the process. Can Ansley get her business up and running, save her grandmother from tax evasion charges, forget about Parish, and bring her mother and grandmother back together?
The Icing on the Cupcake is a cute read. Many of the characters are likable and the villains are loathsome. Jennifer Ross paints a quaint picture of Texas and a glitzy picture of New York through her writing. Each of the two settings brought something different and endearing to the novel.
With several recipes included and numerous mentions of food, The Icing on the Cupcake is sure to strike up an appetite for readers. Throughout the novel, the reader witnesses a change for the better in each of the main characters, bringing overall satisfaction to the reader by the end of the book. The plot was typical of its genre, but overall fun to read.
July 19, 2010
I tend to read a lot of Fantasy and Urban Fantasy books. The more paranormal it has in it, the better. There are times, however, when I really just want something down to earth that brings with it a sense of hope and happiness. THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE: A NOVEL by Jennifer Ross is exactly that kind of book.
Ansley is the kind of character that you just can't help but fall in love with. Her mission has been to get married and just when it looks like everything is going to fall into place, her dreams are dashed when her fiance cancels the wedding and boots her out the door. Heartbroken, Ansley does what many would do and flees town.
THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is a story about recreating yourself and making new hopes and dreams. This story wouldn't have been complete if the aspect of family wasn't thrown in there. With nowhere to go, Ansley moves in with her grandmother and does what the women in her family do best - she bakes.
Surprisingly, there is actually quite a bit of anticipation as we watch Ansley try to open up her own cupcake shop. Ms. Ross doesn't just give us a good story - she fills it with suspense too. Something keeps happening to Ansley's shop and part of this adventure is figuring out what is going on. Will Ansley be able to successfully run her shop? Will her heart be able to find love again? Can baking cure all the evils in the world?
Aside from a great and hilarious story, we also get quite a few delicious recipes in THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. A while ago cakes became the new black and it seems that now, cupcakes are following that trend. Becoming more and more popular, strange and phenomenal cupcake flavors are popping up everywhere. If there's one thing I can say about the cupcake recipes in THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE it's this: yum!
Now I just have to figure out if I'm going to shelve this one with my cookbooks or my fiction books. The dilemma!
If you're looking for a book that is at times lighthearted and at times emotional, I would definitely take a look at THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. This is great for the beach or curling up on a rainy day. One warning though: I highly suggest having a snack nearby when reading this. If you're anything like me, Ms. Ross will definitely make you hungry!
Ansley is the kind of character that you just can't help but fall in love with. Her mission has been to get married and just when it looks like everything is going to fall into place, her dreams are dashed when her fiance cancels the wedding and boots her out the door. Heartbroken, Ansley does what many would do and flees town.
THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is a story about recreating yourself and making new hopes and dreams. This story wouldn't have been complete if the aspect of family wasn't thrown in there. With nowhere to go, Ansley moves in with her grandmother and does what the women in her family do best - she bakes.
Surprisingly, there is actually quite a bit of anticipation as we watch Ansley try to open up her own cupcake shop. Ms. Ross doesn't just give us a good story - she fills it with suspense too. Something keeps happening to Ansley's shop and part of this adventure is figuring out what is going on. Will Ansley be able to successfully run her shop? Will her heart be able to find love again? Can baking cure all the evils in the world?
Aside from a great and hilarious story, we also get quite a few delicious recipes in THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. A while ago cakes became the new black and it seems that now, cupcakes are following that trend. Becoming more and more popular, strange and phenomenal cupcake flavors are popping up everywhere. If there's one thing I can say about the cupcake recipes in THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE it's this: yum!
Now I just have to figure out if I'm going to shelve this one with my cookbooks or my fiction books. The dilemma!
If you're looking for a book that is at times lighthearted and at times emotional, I would definitely take a look at THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE. This is great for the beach or curling up on a rainy day. One warning though: I highly suggest having a snack nearby when reading this. If you're anything like me, Ms. Ross will definitely make you hungry!
June 11, 2010
I was intrigued by the cover of this book when I saw first saw it. So I picked it up, hoping I'd like the story as much as I like the cupcakes on the cover.
This novel has a premise that's been seen before in other books of the chick lit genre: a young woman thinks she has it all, then loses the man she loves, and must figure out how to rebuild her life and start anew. Ansley Waller is a Dallas debutante who's graduating from college and marrying the perfect guy. But when he abruptly dumps her, she realizes that her dreams of being a stay-at-home mother and wife aren't going to come true as soon as she thought they would. On impulse, she decides to move to New York to live with a grandmother she doesn't even know. As expected, she gets off to a rough start. But, also as expected, she gets back on her feet and proves she can be an independent woman.
The characters in The Icing on the Cupcake aren't very likable, in my opinion. The protagonist Ansley admits she's been mean her whole life. Even when she changes her ways after living in New York for a while, I still didn't sympathize with her. Nor did I sympathize with her grandmother Vivian. Part of why it took me so long to finish this book is because I just didn't care about the characters or what happens to them. I'm not motivated to read about people whom I couldn't care less about.
I found some grammatical errors in this book, which really irritates me when reading a widely published novel such as this. Is there seriously a lack of good editors in the publishing industry who can distinguish the difference between "its" and "it's"?
The plus side to this book are the cupcake recipes that close out each chapter. Also, throughout the novel, random baking tips are dispensed through the characters or in the recipe book that's been handed down by the women in Ansley's family. For example, two tablespoons of potato starch added to cupcake batter will produce a moist cupcake. I don't know if that's necessarily true, but I'm sort of curious to find out.
This novel has a premise that's been seen before in other books of the chick lit genre: a young woman thinks she has it all, then loses the man she loves, and must figure out how to rebuild her life and start anew. Ansley Waller is a Dallas debutante who's graduating from college and marrying the perfect guy. But when he abruptly dumps her, she realizes that her dreams of being a stay-at-home mother and wife aren't going to come true as soon as she thought they would. On impulse, she decides to move to New York to live with a grandmother she doesn't even know. As expected, she gets off to a rough start. But, also as expected, she gets back on her feet and proves she can be an independent woman.
The characters in The Icing on the Cupcake aren't very likable, in my opinion. The protagonist Ansley admits she's been mean her whole life. Even when she changes her ways after living in New York for a while, I still didn't sympathize with her. Nor did I sympathize with her grandmother Vivian. Part of why it took me so long to finish this book is because I just didn't care about the characters or what happens to them. I'm not motivated to read about people whom I couldn't care less about.
I found some grammatical errors in this book, which really irritates me when reading a widely published novel such as this. Is there seriously a lack of good editors in the publishing industry who can distinguish the difference between "its" and "it's"?
The plus side to this book are the cupcake recipes that close out each chapter. Also, throughout the novel, random baking tips are dispensed through the characters or in the recipe book that's been handed down by the women in Ansley's family. For example, two tablespoons of potato starch added to cupcake batter will produce a moist cupcake. I don't know if that's necessarily true, but I'm sort of curious to find out.
August 3, 2010
I'm going to have to disagree with you and Ansley. I don't like cupcakes. I don't like cake at all. *ducking incredulous looks* (Yeah, I know "and you call yourself a foodie," etc. etc. etc.)
However, even I want to try some of these cupcakes! (The Margarita, Hold the Salt one sounds divine!) There are two kinds of food-lit, the kind where food is pervasive in the stories like books from Sarah Addison Allen and Erica Bauermeister, and the kind that weaves recipes into the story, like this book from Jennifer Ross and books from Josi S. Kilpack. I love them both indiscriminately.
The main character in this book is far from likable. Actually, most of the character's in this book are unlikable. Ansley is cruel; her grandmother, Vivian walked out on her family; her mother Hattie, spoiled her daughter to excess; and then there's Thad, Vivian's haughty financial advisor. Taking all that into consideration, I would usually walk away from such a book, but Ms. Ross created such an interesting story around these characters that you can't help but get pulled into it. (Like Julie, I read this in about a day.) These character's are not just archetypal stereotypes, but have depth and grow. You may not like Ansley by the end of the book, but you sure do respect her...
READ MORE: http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/...
However, even I want to try some of these cupcakes! (The Margarita, Hold the Salt one sounds divine!) There are two kinds of food-lit, the kind where food is pervasive in the stories like books from Sarah Addison Allen and Erica Bauermeister, and the kind that weaves recipes into the story, like this book from Jennifer Ross and books from Josi S. Kilpack. I love them both indiscriminately.
The main character in this book is far from likable. Actually, most of the character's in this book are unlikable. Ansley is cruel; her grandmother, Vivian walked out on her family; her mother Hattie, spoiled her daughter to excess; and then there's Thad, Vivian's haughty financial advisor. Taking all that into consideration, I would usually walk away from such a book, but Ms. Ross created such an interesting story around these characters that you can't help but get pulled into it. (Like Julie, I read this in about a day.) These character's are not just archetypal stereotypes, but have depth and grow. You may not like Ansley by the end of the book, but you sure do respect her...
READ MORE: http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/...
October 9, 2010
To a certain extent, this novel is quite enchanting. There are, however, several main plots that I disagree to wholeheartedly.
Towards the end of the novel, our main character Ansley Waller got hit by a car by Patty, her jealous sorority sister back from Dallas. Ansley went airborne from the impact and suffered a broken wrist, concussion, and an array of bruises. Instead of reporting it to the authority, she refrained herself and played the cat-and-mouse game with Patty in hope of upping her popularity back in hometown Dallas...
Was she too stoned from eating poppyseed cupcakes? Perhaps she was too sedated to make a logical decision. But Parish, her ex-fiance, is twisted in his own logic too. Instead of leaving Patty the homicidal fiance, he made excuses for her action and believed that she must have loved him so much that she would kill to gain his love. This logic is beyond normal comprehension! I wouldn't be surprised that he would be cannibalized by Patty because of her love some day in the future.
There is no enough moral backbone for this novel. The only saving grace is the cupcake recipes at the end of every chapter.
Towards the end of the novel, our main character Ansley Waller got hit by a car by Patty, her jealous sorority sister back from Dallas. Ansley went airborne from the impact and suffered a broken wrist, concussion, and an array of bruises. Instead of reporting it to the authority, she refrained herself and played the cat-and-mouse game with Patty in hope of upping her popularity back in hometown Dallas...
Was she too stoned from eating poppyseed cupcakes? Perhaps she was too sedated to make a logical decision. But Parish, her ex-fiance, is twisted in his own logic too. Instead of leaving Patty the homicidal fiance, he made excuses for her action and believed that she must have loved him so much that she would kill to gain his love. This logic is beyond normal comprehension! I wouldn't be surprised that he would be cannibalized by Patty because of her love some day in the future.
There is no enough moral backbone for this novel. The only saving grace is the cupcake recipes at the end of every chapter.
September 18, 2013
Ansley Waller is a Southern belle without a back-up plan. Why would she need one? She’s gorgeous and smart and engaged to be married.
Everything changes when Ansley’s fiancé breaks the engagement. What’s a girl with no other plans to do?
Well, this gal is flying to NYC with her tail between her legs. Luckily, she has a wealthy grandmother to take care of her, sort of. Ansley soon discovers two things:
1. Her grandmother is NOT going to take care of her, and
2. Her grandmother’s life is complicated enough without Ansley in it.
While trying to find a job in the big city, Ansley realizes what she’d really like to do: open a cupcake shop. She’s a terrific baker, and a born salesperson. So, she does just that and finds success. Can rebounding from a broken engagement be this easy?
I’m not saying that this is the most realistic story ever written. It certainly is not. It is entertaining, and all of the cupcake recipes sound divine.
Everything changes when Ansley’s fiancé breaks the engagement. What’s a girl with no other plans to do?
Well, this gal is flying to NYC with her tail between her legs. Luckily, she has a wealthy grandmother to take care of her, sort of. Ansley soon discovers two things:
1. Her grandmother is NOT going to take care of her, and
2. Her grandmother’s life is complicated enough without Ansley in it.
While trying to find a job in the big city, Ansley realizes what she’d really like to do: open a cupcake shop. She’s a terrific baker, and a born salesperson. So, she does just that and finds success. Can rebounding from a broken engagement be this easy?
I’m not saying that this is the most realistic story ever written. It certainly is not. It is entertaining, and all of the cupcake recipes sound divine.
June 4, 2010
I was considering going with 3.5 stars for this book, but the last 3-4 chapters really detracted from the storyline. The whole "Patty / Parish" conclusion was just out in left field. Some nice, but not superb character development. It was basically a nice, fluffy read as the title suggests. I think this could have been better with a touch more "oomph." I would have liked to have seen more of a struggle with Ansley getting her business going. I would have liked a little more interaction between grandmother / granddaughter.
But, overall, I did enjoy the book. I absolutely loved the cupcake recipes and bit of cooking lore sprinkled throughout. I can't wait to try some of these recipes as they sound truly delicious and pretty unique. I'll pick up the next book Ms. Ross writes, especially if it is a sequel.
But, overall, I did enjoy the book. I absolutely loved the cupcake recipes and bit of cooking lore sprinkled throughout. I can't wait to try some of these recipes as they sound truly delicious and pretty unique. I'll pick up the next book Ms. Ross writes, especially if it is a sequel.
February 18, 2012
Cupcakes obviously play a prominent in this book. The storyline isn't astounding, but it is definitely unique and easy to read. Highlight of this book is the amazing cupcake descriptions, as the main character loves to bake cupcakes. Each chapter ends with a delectable cupcake recipe for the reader. I wasn't planning on baking any at first but the descriptions within the text were so alluring I couldn't help myself. I made the "Pining for the Forbidden Pineapple Cupcakes". They were absolutely delicious! They were a dense cupcake, but still fluffy enough that they didn't feel airy. WAY better than store bought cupcakes and very easy to make. I definitely suggest you read this book, if only so you can get some new cupcake recipes!
May 1, 2010
As a Southern-bred former sorority girl who happens to love baking, I really really wanted to like this book -- I thought I'd identify with it so well. But, unfortunately, I wasn't at all impressed. If I hadn't actually bought it (something I rarely do, but my library doesn't have it), I don't think I'd have finished it. The story is just so-so, and the writing is super redundant and full of cliches. And the main character (who is described multiple times over as the b-word) is hardly likeable. I'm giving it 3 stars for the recipes and for all the baking science tidbits I picked up by reading it.
April 26, 2014
This book is the perfect example of how a ludicrous plot twist at the end of the book can ruin a perfectly good book. The ex best friend turned pyscho who recruits her cousin to get close to the lead character and then the ex best friend attempts to murder the lead character and gets away with it b/c everyone feels sorry for her. Come on! It was stupid and it insulted my intelligence. It was such a cute little book until the end, which really pissed me off. The only thing that saved this book from getting only one star was the fact that it had a cupcake recipe at the end of every chapter.
July 6, 2010
Cute story about how a woman gets over a painful breakup by moving to a new city and starting her own bakery. I honestly did not like the main character at first--she's a jerk to put it lightly--but she improves and the plot and other characters are interesting. She bakes a lot throughout the book, giving some tips along the way. There are also cupcake recipes at the end of every chapter. It's a great book for anyone who loves to bake, even those who haven't in a while. It's prompted me to jump back in.
June 27, 2010
Like so many others, I'd really like to give this 3 1/2 stars. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but in a good way. I wasn't in love with it, but it was a good read, for sure. Don't let the back cover fool you, though, it's not really about her love life--and that's actually a refreshing change for chick-lit.
October 10, 2019
Light, Fun chick lit about how people can change and grow when life throws them curves. And.....throughout the story there are tons of cupcake recipes.... a winning combination in my opinion. Faced paced, corny story that took my mind off the struggles of life.
I want to go bake some cupcakes 🧁 now!
I want to go bake some cupcakes 🧁 now!
July 29, 2010
Very quick read. I read it in an evening. Heartwarming story of the town bitch being torn down and then she rebuilds herself.
June 25, 2010
Super cute, with great looking recipes and tips for baking.
May 31, 2010
It's a fun romance novel with lots of fun cupcake recipes I'm gonna try making.
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