Knowing now that Cecily was based on the author’s grandmother, makes her history so much better. That said, did not like Cecily. I liked her book and I wish Kate’s contemporary book would be real. The writing about food was absolutely delightful. The title of the book feels wrong. It never felt like Cecily had lessons for Kate, except to just live and not waste her one and precious

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, narrated by Nicola Coughlan. I didn’t mind the repetition of Marjella’s days. But there was never any resolution. I was so frustrated by the ending. The description says “In fact, there just may be a whole big world outside her small town.” But I never got the feeling that Marjella was interested in that. I felt that she was just resigned to her life. I thought maybe something would happen to her mom. Or they’d find out who killed her grandma. But the most exciting thing she decided to do was buy a new duvet?

I was expecting a slow burn and instead it moved so fast. Like too fast. Things I’ve learned: I hate the “Little sister dates big brothers best friend” trope. Overly aggressive jealously in the male feels like such a red flag. And maybe it’s just a romance book thing, but I’m annoyed that I already know who Teddy, Gus, and Wes will end up with. Esp Teddy/Gus. You can’t write them hating each other so aggressively and it not be glaringly obvious.

Highly educational. I checked this book out from the library, but I can see I’ll need to add it to my own collection. Nicola Lamb explains technique and baking science in a way that makes me want to try making things I’ve never been interested in messing with because they seemed too difficult. I only wish there were more photographs.