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5 Minutes for Books: How Sweet It Is

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In addition to the great giveaway event going on here at 5 Minutes for Mom, check out all the great contests in the 5 Minutes for Books Back to School Giveaway going on through August 31.

I’ll be honest, I picked up How Sweet It Is from my TWO baskets of books To Be Read because I thought it would be a light, fun chick-lit sort of read (and I needed it). I was wrong.

On the surface, the plot seems a little predictable. Heartbroken young woman leaves her friends and family behind to start a new life. Only in this case, Deena Livingston is nursing a hurt that goes much deeper than the pain inflicted by her cheating former fiance. She’s recovering from an automobile accident that has left her with numerous ugly scars, inside and out.

Deena’s recently deceased grandfather, with whom she had a somewhat sporadic relationship, has left his mountain cabin to her. She decides that a change of scenery from Atlanta will boost her spirits, and help her to open a cake decorating business she’s dreamed of. She doesn’t know that there’s a catch: she must teach at the local children’s center for six months before the cabin will be hers. Since Atlanta offers nothing but terrible memories, she decides to give it a try. But teaching troubled tweens and teens how to cook is more than she bargained for.

As Deena befriends Jonas, the local plumber who has a few mental challenges, she also finds herself attracted to Zack, social worker for many of her students. Jonas’ child-like faith rubs off on her, and Deena begins to trust her heart to love again. However, Zack is still recovering from some deep hurts of his own that may hinder the relationship.

How Sweet It Is isAlice Wisler’s second novel. Her first, Rain Song was a Christy Award Finalist. I wouldn’t be surprised if this book is as well.

If you’d like to win a copy of this book (U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses), please leave a comment. The winner will be announced in next week’s column.

5 Minutes for Books staff reviewer Melissa has been captivated by books for as long as she can remember. She resides in Virginia and blogs at Breath of Life.

The winners of last week’s book Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner are #7 Jamie, #143 Theresa Dell, and #64 LaVonne.

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111 Comments

  21. Books! Books! More books! I love to read! Yay! 🙂 And I love to pass them on to other readers with my own mini-review/recommendation.

    Reply

  26. The book sounds wonderful. I’m hoping for a happy ending for the main character. I’d love to read it!

    Reply

  109. I’d not heard of this book or author. It sounds really interesting — I’d love the chance to win and read it.

    Reply