When this book title popped into my inbox as one to review, several details caught my attention and drew me in.
- A bakery named The Pastry Puff
- Set in Kansas! In a town named Story.
- Petit fours
- A Book Club discussing Pride & Prejudice
- A love of Paris
- French macarons
thanks to Revell for sending me a review copy
As I began to read The Key to Love, I soon found myself chuckling and becoming acquainted with the charming and loveable characters. Mable and Agnes are sisters and the co-owners of the delightful Pastry Puff bakery. They also have a perchance for matchmaking in an endearing meddlesome way. With good success, they might add. 🙂 {And of course, I loved Mable, even more, when she makes up words and claims, “It’s a word now, because I said it.”} Haha!
This description tells us a lot about the main character, Bri. “She was used to doing for others. Discounting treats and handing out coffee and offering a listening ear and a warm hug and a word of encouragement-which always went down better with a fresh petit four.”
Towards the end of the book, as Bri wrestles with decisions and her relationship with Gerard, I was struck with the impact of this thought of hers.
“Gerard lived fast to avoid planting roots – Bri clung to her roots to avoid living.”
I found myself turning these two opposing ways of living around and around in my mind. Each offers detriment and each offers incentives and character qualities we can develop.
I also completely loved this declaration by Pastor John in the story. “Don’t think that just because I’m a preacher I have it all figured out. I still sin. I have flaws and baggage. I need the Lord daily.”
I couldn’t resonate with this more!
The Key to Love addresses dreams and idealisms, romance and relationships, real-life living and sadness, mistakes and grace amid a host of characters -some delightful, some wily, some sweet, some endearingly eccentric, and a town gossip, of course- paired with small-town living and delicious desserts.
Oh, I wanted to include the introduction to the author from the back of the book. I thought it was such a fun one! 🙂
Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of more than fifteen inspirational romances and a frequent contributor to iBelieve.com. She lives in northern Louisiana with her husband, two daughters, a vast collection of all things turquoise, and an impressive stash of pickle-flavored chips. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white chocolate mocha – no whip. Learn more at www.betsyamant.com.
May your weekend be delightful and may you spend a few hours reading!
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