Reviewer: Terry
I received a review copy
Summary:
A scrumptious pie. A long distance guy. 4th of July fireworks guaranteed.
Lauren Hauser has it all…nearly. With a shiny new job and sparkly new engagement ring on her finger, the only thing she’s missing is her gorgeous new fiancé by her side. Should she be worried? Jack’s kisses are as sizzling as always and, sure, long distance is hard but, she and Jack are solid, right?
Of course the stress of planning a wedding—or not—is nothing compared to the stress of baking an apple pie. Because it’s not just any apple pie that Lauren must bake for the 4th of July contest; it’s her grandmother’s famous, award-winning apple pie! Yet Lauren is determined to make this pie her own and a little apple pie should be no problem for the Hauser clan dessert queen…!
But with her new job taking up so much time, a prize pie to perfect and the growing distance between her and Jack, Lauren begins to wonder if she can really have it all… Only one things for sure, there’ll be fireworks this 4th of July!
Review:
How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie is book 3 in the Home for the Holiday’s series but reads excellent as a standalone book as well. The story begins with Lauren’s grandmother requesting (right after she became engaged and accepted a huge promotion at work) to bake and submit the apple pie for the annual pie contest when home for the upcoming 4th of July festivities. Along with the request that Lauren tweak the pie to make it her own. A request that seems trivial compared to trying to plan a wedding combined with a long distance relationship as well as the daunting task of proofing she can handle her promotion and team at work. However I believe her grandmother’s request at this time in her life is evident that she knew Lauren would be struggling with the big steps she was taking in her life.
This is a fantastic read to remind one of the up’s and down’s mainly experienced when relationships are still in the new stages of life and how much it takes to commit to someone. It truly reminded me of all that one goes through during that first year of getting to know someone, especially one you tend to marry. But also the struggles you go through with a long distance relationship, which truly is a test of a solid relationship in the best of times.
There is also a wonderful side story in the interaction between Lauren and her family and the dynamics that you catch throughout the story. You are given just a bit of insight to each character, knowing that there is so much more to their story then what is given in this book, but enough to understand that family is valued deeply with Lauren.
I loved this story and was delighted when I finished to discover there were other books in the series, I look forward to reading more!
4 stars
Author Bio:
Gina Henning currently resides where bluebonnets line the highways in the spring, but she prefers the rock flower anemone from under the sea. Above the ocean’s surface Gina likes to dance with her three boys and travel to exotic places like the grocery store with her husband. Her pooch Schatzi is a mix between German Shepherd and possibly pig. One of Gina’s favorite pastimes is running. She recently completed her one-and-done marathon. At the end of the day her glass of wine is always half-full.
Website: http://www.ginahenning.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ginahenningauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/henningland
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