Hiya fellow book lovers! Today’s book had me HUNGRYY! Does that ever happen to you? You read a book that features amazing food and recipes and find yourself grabbing more snacks a bit more than your accustom to?
I adored Rosaline Palmer and her unwavering hope, despite the mighty odds stacked against her. Despite coming from privilege, she’s trying to make her way as a single parent and I respect that. Her journey through Britain’s Bake Off (is that a thing?) was equal parts entertaining and cringe inducing.
Read ahead for a synopsis, my book review and perhaps the funniest “About the Author” I’ve featured yet.
Synopsis
Title: Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake
Author: Alexis Hall
Series: Winner Bakes All
Genre: Contemporary Romance| LGBTQ
Format: Paperback
Following the recipe is the key to a successful bake. Rosaline Palmer has always lived by those rules—well, except for when she dropped out of college to raise her daughter, Amelie. Now, with a paycheck as useful as greaseproof paper and a house crumbling faster than biscuits in tea, she’s teetering on the edge of financial disaster. But where there’s a whisk there’s a way . . . and Rosaline has just landed a spot on the nation’s most beloved baking show.
Winning the prize money would give her daughter the life she deserves—and Rosaline is determined to stick to the instructions. However, more than collapsing trifles stand between Rosaline and sweet, sweet victory. Suave, well-educated, and parent-approved Alain Pope knows all the right moves to sweep her off her feet, but it’s shy electrician Harry Dobson who makes Rosaline question her long-held beliefs—about herself, her family, and her desires.
Rosaline fears falling for Harry is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Yet as the competition—and the ovens—heat up, Rosaline starts to realize the most delicious bakes come from the heart.
My Review
Original plans don’t count.” Lauren finished her wine with gusto. “Hitler’s original plan was to be a painter. It’s not what he’s most famous for.”
Rosaline Palmer, our bi-sexual mother of one, is a hot mess (her words, not my own). In this comical tale of her mini-mid-life crisis, Rosaline decides to pursue her lifelong dream of baking on a nationally televised British baking competition.
This novel emanated “realistic romance” vibes and explores Rosaline’s constant struggles with articulating her sexuality while balancing romance and motherhood.
“Sexuality is about what you feel more than what you do. Especially when you’re bi or pan or something because people are always going to make assumptions about you based on who you’re with.”
I enjoyed that this book explores the harsh realities of parenting when you don’t fit the cookie-cutter mold of what society deems as an appropriate parent.
I like the diversity and range of the characters– Harry, has anxiety issues and constantly overanalyzes things in his head but there’s such a sweet quality about him. His total opposite is Alain, a perfectionist, and total knob. There is a lovable bi-sexual ex/ best friend and meddling parents on the horizon.
A lot of persons would be able to relate to Rosaline’s dilemma of being grateful for her life but craving more. Of trying to push the envelope and taking a chance on your dreams.
“That’s the thing with putting yourself out of your comfort zone: once you get there, you’re like, Now I’m uncomfortable, what am I supposed to be doing?
If you are a logomaniac (lover of words), then this book is for you! I honestly did not know what sesquipedalian was, and tbh I still don’t know what it is. This book was brimming with innuendos, sharp banter and, laugh-out-loud humor. One thing I can say with absolute certainty is that I have a higher level of appreciation for intellectual flirting after reading this!
Author
Alexis Hall does not like writing biographies, or talking about himself in the third person. He lives in south east England with his extensive collection of hats.
- If you’d like to get in touch, please do visit my contact page
- If it’s the sort of thing you’re interested in, here are some samples of interviews I’ve done and articles I’ve written
- If you’d like to, um, buy merch? Inspired by my books. I have a Redbubble store, managed by my very brilliant assistant, Mary
- Finally here are some Occasionally Asked Questions: all the logistics, about me, about writing, about specific books / series
Other books in the Series
Thanks so much for joining me today for my review of Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake. Until next time I wish you Good Reading!
Jessica Reads It 