Title: Shortcake
Author: Lucy Watson
First published September 19, 2019
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.15
Overview
Unpublished 7/22: If Emelia Anderson had a choice, she would rather do anything other than spend the next thirty days renovating a family home with Benjamin Crawford. But fate has brought them together, and they have no choice but to work together.
The problem is, Ben thinks Emelia tricked his dying grandmother into giving her half of the estate worth millions. And Emelia?
Well, she’s not too fond of Ben either. The tension between them is palpable, but that doesn’t stop Ben from being man-candy and smelling like testosterone.
Emelia tries her best to ignore him, but as they spend more time together, she realizes there might be more to Ben than meets the eye. Will they be able to put their differences aside and work together to save the estate?
Or will their animosity towards each other ruin everything?
About the Author
Meet Lucy Watson, an accomplished screenwriter based in San Francisco. She goes by a pen name and currently resides with her husband, son, and a cat who has narcolepsy.
When not busy writing or keeping an eye on her son at school, Lucy enjoys indulging in steamy novels and binge-watching classic ’80s TV shows.
Editoral Review
Lucy Watson’s “Shortcake” is a tender tale of love, loss, and resilience. Published on September 19, 2019, the novel explores the theme of family and how it can be both a source of comfort and conflict.
Set in a small town in Georgia, the story follows the life of Grace, a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother. As she grapples with her grief, she finds solace in baking, and with the help of her grandmother, she opens a bakery called Shortcake.
Through the bakery, Grace discovers a sense of purpose and community, and she soon finds herself falling in love with a local farmer named Jackson.
Watson’s writing style is engaging and emotive, and she deftly weaves together multiple storylines to create a rich tapestry of characters and experiences. The novel is reminiscent of classic Southern literature, with its evocative descriptions of the natural landscape, and its exploration of themes such as race, class, and gender.
One of the strengths of “Shortcake” is its nuanced portrayal of the relationships between the characters. Watson does an excellent job of developing each character’s personality and backstory, and the interactions between them feel authentic and believable.
The romance between Grace and Jackson is particularly well-written, with its slow burn and realistic depiction of the challenges that come with falling in love.
Another strength of the novel is its exploration of the power of food and baking. Watson clearly has a passion for baking, and this comes through in her descriptions of the various treats that Grace creates.
The bakery serves as a symbol of hope and renewal, and the act of baking becomes a way for Grace to connect with both herself and others.
While “Shortcake” is a beautifully written novel, it does have some weaknesses. The pacing can be slow at times, and the ending feels somewhat rushed.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have been given more depth and development.
Despite these flaws, “Shortcake” is a novel that is well worth reading. It is a heartwarming story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or struggled to find their place in the world.
It is also a reminder of the power of community and the importance of family, both biological and chosen.
Overall, I would highly recommend “Shortcake” to anyone who enjoys Southern literature, romance novels, or stories about baking. It is a delightful read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
