REVIEW OF HOW SWEET IT IS by Alice Wisler

It is my pleasure to bring you How Sweet It Is by Alice Wisler (Bethany House. 2009). This book is a little like taking a walk along a lovely mountain path. There are rocks to watch for, bends in the road that lead to unknown vistas, an incline or two that has to be climbed, but the sights and sounds along the path are delightful. With sparkling writing in a come-follow-me style, the author’s characters weave their way into your heart one page at a time.

How Sweet It Is takes place in the mountains of North Carolina. Junior chef, Deena Livingston inherits and moves into her grandfather’s cabin—a perfect opportunity to get away from her unpleasant memories in Atlanta and start her own cake-decorating business. Before her Kitchen-Aid blender is unpacked, her plans are interrupted and take a new direction. I loved Deena’s aunt, Regina Lorraine, a taciturn but good-hearted woman. Then there’s the plumber who keeps arriving at Deena’s cabin to check her pipes and a social worker who shows up to help with a group of middle-school children, whom Deena’s been drafted to teach how to cook. Mishaps are many, but the fun twists make this terrific summer read not only sweet, but also flavored with just the right amount of spice.

This is Alice Wisler’s second novel, the first being Rain Song, which has the distinction of being a Christy nominee in the Debut Book category this year. If you’ve not read one of Alice’s books, I encourage you to do so. They are delectable.