Julia Dorning is about to lose it. Between her over-the-top wedding that her sister, Anna, took upon herself to create, and the under-staffed popular bakery that she runs, she can barely find time to breathe.

All Julia ever wanted was a quaint wedding on the beach with family and friends. But now Julia has to contend with not only her sister’s plans, but those of her future mother-in-law, as well. Not wanting to step on anyone’s toes, especially her mother-in-law’s, Julia just goes along with it.

She can only take so much, though, and when her newest employee, Kate, makes things harder at the bakery, Julia has to find a way to simplify her life.

Can she do it or will she end up a basket case?


I loved Becky Monson’s characters and style when I read book #2 of this series (yes, I read them out of order), so I immediately ordered the rest of the series. It’s been hard to read book #1 (since I already know how it will end), but I read part of it before curiosity pushed me to pick up #3.

Not only do I love Monson’s voice and comedy, I LOVE her conflict — she doesn’t try to drag a plot line through the entire story when it could be wrapped up in a few chapters. She goes ahead and wraps it up, then moves on to the next story element. The story starts in one place and ends up close to where you expected, but the detours and short cuts keep the journey exciting.

In regards to this book, Jared’s a little too perfect, but that’s what makes him so loveable. I enjoy a realistically flawed hero, but Jared’s wonderfulness pairs well with Julia’s normalness.

In regards to Monson’s writing, it’s effortlessly funny. Most of the time, people tell me something is funny and it’s just predictable or mean. Not so with Monson. Maybe we just have the same sense of humor. Whatever it is, I’ll definitely read more of her books.

Rated PG (a couple of swear words and some mentions of sex, but nothing shown). Get your copy here!