BOOK REVIEW: THE CUPCAKE DIARIES: SWEET ON YOU by DARLENE PANZERA

The Cupcake Diaries
Sweet On You

                                                                  By: Darlene Panzera

The Cupcake Diaries Book One: SWEET ON YOU
(Avon Impulse; on-sale May 7th, 2013; e-book ISBN: 9780062242662)

Fans of Debbie Macomber will love THE CUPCAKE DIARIES: Sweet on You, the first in the new and exciting three-book romantic comedy, by Darlene Panzera. Set in the small seaport town of Astoria, Oregon, Sweet on You begins the delicious and charming mini-series with Andi Burke’s adventure through love and cupcakes.

Sisters Andi and Kim, along with best friend Rachel, haven’t had the best luck in recent months: unemployment, divorce, and heartbreak. After so many disappointments, what can the trio do to change things around? Open up a much needed gourmet cupcake shop of course!

Andi has always had a dream—a kitchen big enough to bake and dance in, while still being able to support her dear daughter Mia, and hopefully find true love (one day). Could opening up a cupcake shop make it all a reality?

Together, the best friends are determined to open up Creative Cupcakes. But, with no business experience or money to finance the project it seems their dream won’t come true. Until, Jake Hartman, the hunky Astoria Sun reporter, offers to partner up with them.

Trying to hold it together as a single mom hasn’t been easy, and the thought of dating hasn’t crossed Andi’s mind since her divorce. But, the way Jake keeps looking at her might change her mind. After all, what could go wrong?

Plenty! There's a shady tattoo parlor behind their shop and a crowd of crazy Zumba dancers out front—ready to ruin them. The trio is forced to think quick to counter the attacks from Zumba fanatic Pat, while still finding a way to bring in business. It seems the only thing that’s going right is Andi's blooming romance with Jake. As if things weren’t hard enough, Jake’s media crew captures a story that could shut them both down forever.

Avon Romance / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

About the Author          

Darlene Panzera is the winner of the “Make Your Dreams Come True” contest sponsored by Avon Books. The win led her novella, The Bet, to be published with Debbie Macomber’s Family Affair. The award-winning novella (chosen in a blind-read by Debbie Macomber) was then published as a full length novel retitled, Bet You’ll Marry Me. Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene is now a resident of the Pacific Northwest where she lives with her husband and three children. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, two horses, and loves: camping, hiking, photography, and lazy days at the lake.

Author Links
 www.darlenepanzera.com
https://www.facebook.com/DarlenePanzera
https://twitter.com/DarlenePanzera





Reader review . . . 

Andi, Kim, and Rachel are out on the town to celebrate Kim's birthday when they meet Jake, a good-looking newspaper reporter.  Although Andi has not been dating since her divorce, Jake may change that.  Meanwhile, the three young women team up to open a cupcake shop together, despite no real business experience. If they can survive the attacks from the local health nut, they just might make it.

A fun, romantic novella with engaging characters and interesting scenario, and my personal favorite, a recipe at the end of the book. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

4 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tasty Book Tours book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”