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
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| Amazon UK |
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!
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:
Website: http://www.ginahenning.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ginahenningauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/henningland
Giveaway
Excellent review. Thanks for sharing, Rachel. I do adore that cover. :) x
ReplyDeleteI have this book downloaded and its ready to read. I love the cover and am looking forward to a good read.
ReplyDeleteYour review makes me even more certain that I will enjoy it.
Amanda.
I am delighted to hear that, Amanda. I love Gina's new look covers, especially when they are on good books.
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