The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski
Release Date: May 10th, 2011
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Rating: YA 13+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Amazon ❘ Goodreads ❘ Website
Release Date: May 10th, 2011
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Rating: YA 13+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Amazon ❘ Goodreads ❘ Website
In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she's decorating a cake. Unfortunately everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.
But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems - only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.
Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients.
But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems - only her dad's about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.
Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients.
**This Review is based on an Advanced Readers Copy. The final text/cover is subject to change.**
The Sweetest Thing will have your mouth watering with boys, hilarious moments, and of course, cakes!
I was so glad that NetGalley had put up a copy which everyone could read, 'cause I was DYING to get my hands on this one. Sounds like the perfect contemporary to put a smile on my face. And it totally did. The author clearly knows how to write a teen contemp in the style of which Queen of Teen authors Meg Cabot and Sarah Dessen write...and this is a 2011 debut! So it's a pleasant surprise :)
What I really liked about this book that the characters were really genuine, and had a range of personalities. I liked how that there wasn't a typical cliché thing about: girl falls in love with popular boy, popular boy is clearly hated by the readers, and she looks to another friendly guy and they fall in love etc. etc. The popular guy in this book was actually likeable (only I prefer Jack :P) and of course, what novel about a girl DOESN'T have the sassy, funny best friend?? Totally loved the variation, yet also the loveable cliché type things which never get old.
Sheridan was quite a cool main character. She likes to bake and decorate cakes in her spare time, henceforth receiving the nickname "Cake Girl". What I didn't like about her was her brashness when she was angry, she doesn't think about what she's saying and yells a tad bit too much. Quite the person you wouldn't want to be near when they're angry. But otherwise, she was like all contemporary heroines, headstrong, yet wishing to be apart of something bigger, but won't give up on what she loves doing best.
I felt that the dad could have been more supportive towards Sheridan during most of the novel, 'cause he was pretty much obsessed with himself and his business a lot of the time. But I feel sorry for him eventually, and then everything turns out fine :)
I wish however, we could see more of the other characters, like Sheridan's Grandma, however many times she was mentioned during the book or spoke or whatever, I feel like I never really got to see her character. And Sheridan's other friend didn't make it too many scenes. Mainly Jack, which was pretty sad, 'cause I think there could have been more funny bits if the friend was included more. She seemed like the bold sassy best friend type to me.
Overall, The Sweetest Thing was, well, a sweet novel about love, friendship and discovery. This book also totally made me hungry, and I'm now craving for some cake while typing out this review. Christina Mandelski has written a fabulous debut, and I can't wait to read more from her, contemporary or not.
If you like this, try...
What I really liked about this book that the characters were really genuine, and had a range of personalities. I liked how that there wasn't a typical cliché thing about: girl falls in love with popular boy, popular boy is clearly hated by the readers, and she looks to another friendly guy and they fall in love etc. etc. The popular guy in this book was actually likeable (only I prefer Jack :P) and of course, what novel about a girl DOESN'T have the sassy, funny best friend?? Totally loved the variation, yet also the loveable cliché type things which never get old.
Sheridan was quite a cool main character. She likes to bake and decorate cakes in her spare time, henceforth receiving the nickname "Cake Girl". What I didn't like about her was her brashness when she was angry, she doesn't think about what she's saying and yells a tad bit too much. Quite the person you wouldn't want to be near when they're angry. But otherwise, she was like all contemporary heroines, headstrong, yet wishing to be apart of something bigger, but won't give up on what she loves doing best.
I felt that the dad could have been more supportive towards Sheridan during most of the novel, 'cause he was pretty much obsessed with himself and his business a lot of the time. But I feel sorry for him eventually, and then everything turns out fine :)
I wish however, we could see more of the other characters, like Sheridan's Grandma, however many times she was mentioned during the book or spoke or whatever, I feel like I never really got to see her character. And Sheridan's other friend didn't make it too many scenes. Mainly Jack, which was pretty sad, 'cause I think there could have been more funny bits if the friend was included more. She seemed like the bold sassy best friend type to me.
Overall, The Sweetest Thing was, well, a sweet novel about love, friendship and discovery. This book also totally made me hungry, and I'm now craving for some cake while typing out this review. Christina Mandelski has written a fabulous debut, and I can't wait to read more from her, contemporary or not.
If you like this, try...
- My Invisible Boyfriend by Susie Day
- And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky
- Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
- The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
Oooh this book sounds like a fantastic summer read! I'll definitely have to check it out! Although, I have a feeling I'm definitely going to crave some cake while I reading this...
ReplyDeleteGreat review :)