Rosaline Palmer can’t believe it but she has somehow landed a spot on a national baking competition. With the prize money, she could stop relying on her parents and change her daughter’s life for the better. But the road to the finale is anything but easy- complicated by fellow bakers who become friends, lovers, and enemies. As Rosaline becomes enamored of one elegant baker, she also finds herself attracted to a shy electrician. When the competition intensifies, Rosaline won’t be able to win without being honest about what and who she truly wants.

Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is a joyous celebration of baking and growth. I’m a huge fan of the Great British Bake Off, so the baking competition was simply delightful for me to read about! The descriptions of the food were mouth-watering. There is a strong emphasis throughout on found family and personal growth. One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing how much Rosaline grew in confidence and learned to believe in herself.

I related to Rosaline’s struggle to balance the advice of others with following her heart. Rosaline is bisexual and the rep was so good and inclusive it almost made me cry! I appreciated how well this was handled, particularly when she was in a relationship with a man. Amelie, Rosaline’s daughter, was a star of the book- so funny! It can be hard to pull off having kids in a romance, but Alexis Hall does it flawlessly. Another Alexis Hall book to add to my favorites!

This book is sweet, delicious, and not to be missed. I would highly recommend this book to anyone! Thank you so much to Alexis Hall, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.