This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Icing on the Cake by Amanda Uhl follows restaurant owner, Bethany Parker. She is determined to save the family business, Grandma Lou’s, after learning that actor Hank Haverill has bought the building. Bethany enters a national baking contest, hoping to secure the funds to keep the restaurant open. She and Hank eventually develop a connection at the café and outside of her daily routine. But what better way to turn her life upside down than when her ex-fiancé, Desmond, re-enters the picture? He has previously betrayed her, leaving her financially vulnerable and guarded. But Desmond’s ultimate betrayal surrounding her grandmother’s recipe leads to Bethany’s contest entry being publicly challenged. Her reputation and the future of her restaurant are at risk, leaving her to face a series of setbacks, including her connection with Hank. But will they be able to navigate their feelings while under external scrutiny?
I enjoyed reading Icing on the Cake. Amanda Uhl allowed both Bethany and Hank to grow through personal setbacks that felt realistic. Bethany was resilient through her losses and commitment to family. Hank learned how to take accountability for his own choices. Bethany’s brother, Travis, provided unwavering support, especially concerning the restaurant. Both Blackie and Elizabeth represented pressures tied to Hank’s career and public life. Desmond was the source of conflict that took Bethany’s challenges to a different level. There was a good balance of emotion and conflict that drove the narrative forward. It had all the elements I love, including the small-town woman and the big-city man, having to choose between career and love, and the added layer of real-life struggles. Those who enjoyed Sarah Adams’ The Cheat Sheet will love Icing on the Cake.
