Toni's Review of Honey Pie by Donna Kauffman ***5 Stars***

Mocha Chocolate Chip… Caramel Fudge…Strawberry Lemonade…Butter Rum…There’s no such thing as guilt when it’s another delicious bitch and bake session with the women of the Cupcake Club…

When Honey D’Amourvell inherits property on tiny Sugarberry Island, she’s prepared to start a whole new life. Her plan is simple—make a home, open a shop, and maybe, finally, find a place to belong. But the building she now owns is leased to none other than the owner of Babycakes, which means her spot is already occupied. Honey isn’t sure how to put down roots when she has nowhere to plant them. But sexy, softhearted mechanic Dylan Ross seems determined to help. He’s everything she never imagined she would find in a man, and each kiss is more persuasive than the last…

Soon enough, Honey is another important ingredient in the spicy mix of the Cupcake Club. But will Dylan convince her that what she craves most is his love?

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Two loners are drawn together.  Dylan is a long time resident of Sweetberry and Honey stumbled into town in a broken down VW bug and a dream.  Neither seen what was coming their way.  If they did, both would have run in separate directions.

Honey has taken her Aunt Beavis’ advice; “Love yourself enough to give it a true and honest chance”.  She packs up her VW Bug and travels from Oregon to Georgia only to find her dreams crushed.  The new start she was promised has a great big road block set in her way.  The apartment and new shop she has planned to open has been leased from under her.  Though she now owned the property, her hands are tied.  Now thousands away from her safe haven, she is homeless, carless, jobless and clueless to where to start. 

Dylan is not a stranger to turmoil.  Father, uncle and brother were all negative components in Dylan’s live and after ten years of freedom from the chaos, he doesn’t desire the pull that a certain Ms. Honey has on him.  With her odd behavior and personal life in a mess, he does his best to stay away, but not for long.

Usually Sweetberry residents are more involved in the formation of budding of romance, but this time Honey and Dylan found it themselves.  Each are alone and prefer it that way.  One wants to come out and finally get involved in life and the other would rather stay hidden and not deal with the BS of people.  They see their similarities and there is a special draw to each other.  With a little personal work and enlightenment they have the potential of something great.  Honey Pie is one sweet treat!

I really loved the feeling of this book.  Even though the potential of drama was high, Ms. Kauffman thankfully didn’t go down this road.  Yes, there was drama, but it had a natural feeling to it.  Both of these characters had some major baggage, but once their minor hurdles where conquered they accepted their fate.  Throw in a few insecurities and a sweet love story was told.

Personally, I think if you read Honey Pie as a standalone you wouldn’t like it as much as a series novel.  The story alone wouldn’t have been as fun without the background of the other characters.  Even though they took the third row of back seats in the party van, knowing their stories made little things more special. 

The Cupcake Club series is great and simply delightful.  Sweet romance, light humor and a feeling of community that makes you want to join the fun.  I have enjoyed every one of these novels and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Wanna know why I enjoy this series??  Check out my other reviews.

 Thanks for reading ~ Toni