Author: Meg Donohue
Publisher:  William Morrow Paperbacks                
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads:  Funny, free-spirited Annie Quintana and sophisticated, ambitious Julia St. Clair come from two different worlds. Yet, as the daughter of the St. Clair’s housekeeper, Annie grew up in Julia’s San Francisco mansion and they forged a bond that only two little girls who know nothing of class differences and scholarships could—until a life-altering betrayal destroyed their friendship.

A decade later, Annie is now a talented, if underpaid, pastry chef who bakes to fill the void left in her heart by her mother’s death. Julia, a successful businesswoman, is tormented by a painful secret that could jeopardize her engagement to the man she loves. When a chance reunion prompts the unlikely duo to open a cupcakery, they must overcome past hurts and a mysterious saboteur or risk losing their fledgling business and any chance of healing their fractured friendship.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book is a steady build to the end.  Along the way, there is some mystery and twists to the story.  It is told in two voices, Annie and Julia.  They are very different voices.  The book is divided into months – this makes a nice time line.

The characters are well developed, relatable and realistic.  You will like Annie and Julia at times and other times you will be frustrated with each of them – as I think the author was expecting you to.

The center of this book is about friendship.  These two friends are actually more like sisters.  They fight with each other and yet under it all you can tell they really love each other.  The cupcake shop brought out the best in each one of them.  They are both strong, independent women trying to make life work and work with each other.

The ending wrapped everything up and was exactly what you want for Annie and Julia.

Rating: 4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.