Tuesday 16 June 2015

Book Review - How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie by Gina Henning - Blog Tour & Giveaway

Amazon UK
Title: How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie (Home for the Holidays - Book 3)
Author: Gina Henning
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Carina
Publication Date: 4th June 2015
Rating: 4 Stars


A scrumptious pie. A long distance guy. 4th of July fireworks guaranteed.

Lauren Hauser has it all…nearly. With a shiny new job and sparkly new engagement ring on her finger, the only thing she’s missing is her gorgeous new fiancé by her side. Should she be worried? Jack’s kisses are as sizzling as always and, sure, long distance is hard but, she and Jack are solid, right?

Of course the stress of planning a wedding—or not—is nothing compared to the stress of baking an apple pie. Because it’s not just any apple pie that Lauren must bake for the 4th of July contest; it’s her grandmother’s famous, award-winning apple pie! Yet Lauren is determined to make this pie her own and a little apple pie should be no problem for the Hauser clan dessert queen…!

But with her new job taking up so much time, a prize pie to perfect and the growing distance between her and Jack, Lauren begins to wonder if she can really have it all… Only one things for sure, there’ll be fireworks this 4th of July!

Available Here: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Nook | Nook  GB  | Google Play | Kobo |  iBooks

I was very excited when Gina Henning submitted a review request via my blog, asking me to review or take part in her blog tour, for her latest book. Although I haven't read the previous two books in the Home for the Holidays series, I am aware of them, and Gina is the first author to make contact through my blog that I had previously heard of. So naturally I said yes. and I am honoured and flattered to have been asked to take part. Thank you

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book, as I hadn't read the previous books in Lauren and Jack's story, but I was assured it can be read as a stand alone, and that is the first thing I can say. It definitely works as a standalone book, and I found myself willing Jack and Lauren to sort out their possible differences, and to just set the date for the wedding.

You see Lauren and Jack are engaged, but Lauren has recently been given a promotion, and they are living and working a state apart. A long distance relationship is what neither of them had in mind originally, but they are determined to make the current circumstances work out, until one of them can move to the other. 

To add to the stress, everyone is asking Lauren continually when they are setting the date, and she is being hassled by many Pinterest boards of possible wedding themes by her mum. In addition Lauren's grandmother is insisting she takes part in the 4th July Apple Pie baking contest, despite Lauren not really being a baker. She has to make her grandmothers award-winning apple pie, but is allowed to adjust certain ingredients to make it her own. 

And then there are potentially problematic co-workers that would make a regular relationship, have the possibility of tension and jealousy, but could be potentially lethal to a newly engaged couple, desperately missing each other, suffering from a long distance-relationship. 

At times I did find I wanted to bang Jack and Lauren's head's together, and tell them to just communicate more.. but then the book wouldn't have been as entertaining if things ran very smoothly. 

I found this book to be a wonderfully light hearted romantic comedy that kept me smiling. It is incredibly easy to read, and I found the pages were just passing without me realising.  My favourite scene has to be during the Apple Pie contest itself. Let's just say you will be surprised by the outcome!

I would have liked to have read the previous books, just to really feel like I know Jack and Lauren a lot better, but even so, I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series, and especially curious as to the title! 

Thank you to Gina Henning, Netgalley and Carina for my review copy of this book. This was my honest review.

Author Bio:
Gina Henning currently resides where bluebonnets line the highways in the spring, but she prefers the rock flower anemone from under the sea. Above the ocean's surface Gina likes to dance with her three boys and travel to exotic places like the grocery store with her husband. Her pooch Schatzi is a mix between German Shepherd and possibly pig. One of Gina's favorite pastimes is running. She recently completed her one-and-done marathon. At the end of the day her glass of wine is always half-full.

Website: http://www.ginahenning.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ginahenningauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/henningland

Giveaway






3 comments:

  1. Excellent review. Thanks for sharing, Rachel. I do adore that cover. :) x

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have this book downloaded and its ready to read. I love the cover and am looking forward to a good read.
    Your review makes me even more certain that I will enjoy it.
    Amanda.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am delighted to hear that, Amanda. I love Gina's new look covers, especially when they are on good books.

      Delete

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