🗝️ 💗 🧁 "The Key to Love" (2020) 🧁💗 🗝️ - Book Review

  

MY REVIEW

 

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 13, 2020)
Language: English        
ISBN-10: 0800738896
ISBN-13: 978-0800738891
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“The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.”

Thank you in advance to Revell (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through the Revell Reads Blogger Program. A positive review was not required and all words are my own. 

This is the first book I’ve read by Betsy St. Amant, and after reading the blurb, I really wanted to read this story. So, I was honestly surprised how honest and realistic it was when it came to romance.

The cover, which is more fitting for a Valentine’s Day release, is cute and sweet – and that drew me in. But, it’s the inside where the story actually has its heart and soul in this seemingly standalone read.

Bri loves romance – everything about it. Her view is from the oh-so-sweet romance/marriage her late parents had, or so she thinks they had.

Gerard hates it – doesn’t do weddings, love, or romance. Most of his discontent is from someone he admired, as well as a failed relationship.

Then there are the two elderly owners of The Pastry Puff – a sweet little bakery where Bri works, where her mother had once worked.

The plot? Trying to save the Pastry Puff from Bri’s ex-boyfriend Charles who wants to put in a coffee chain.

But, this isn’t the “aw, shucks; pretty cute; feel good” type of romance. 

It is the type of book that puts everything into an honest, realistic perspective that still remains hopeful at the core. This is where the reader will either see it as a weakness, or like me, recognize it as the strength of the story. The pessimistic love approach was something I honestly didn’t like, but it didn’t hinder the story, more like helped it and guided it to the climax and lesson. But, there are also dashes of humor along the way. More of this negative perspective comes from Gerard who doesn’t sugar-coat things.

Despite him seeming like my ideal man (6’ 2”; dark hair; broad shoulders; I prefer lighter eyes though) – he is definitely not the hero of the story. If anything he is the anti-hero. But, he balances out the story without coming off too abrasive. He isn’t that romantic either.

There to write an article about the love-lock wall and the bakery, he is using this assignment to leap ahead to what he thinks are greater things – politics, third world economics. And, he makes no secret of how he really feels about The Pastry Puff. This is all told in what seems like the perfect “Hallmark” movie way. And, things don’t get off to a great start for Bri when he walks into the bakery.

The author made an interesting point with one couple’s engagement – “it was easy to love when everything is perfect, it is a lot harder to love during a mess.

And, it doesn’t help that Gerard is also in that mess. From making Bri re-think romance, to re-thinking “Pride and Prejudice”, the man always had something to say. Even calling Bri “cupcake” most of the time.

There were times I was over him and his condescending nature. But, was he right about romance?

Not only does the success of the Pastry Puff depend on Gerard’s article, but also a “make or break” event – a wedding which is saved by Gerard in an uncharacteristic way.

Another interesting side of this story was Bri learning about her parents’ romance as well as some letters. I really loved how the author put this mystery in there, and what is more interesting is how this connects Bri and Gerard in a way they didn’t know.

Bri ends up learning that real love is hard, messy, loud, full of grit, kindess, patience, and forgiveness. While she was busy looking for her idea of romantic love, she learned something new.

The romance between the two doesn’t really pick up until about two-thirds (2/3) of the way in. And, Gerard’s turn-around isn’t an overnight epiphany. The author keeps it real and authentic to his character. 

One plot point I wanted to see the conclusion of was about Gerard’s mom. I wanted to see how that was going to end – her getting help, or him to stop enabling her. That was about the only thing I missed when it came to the end.

I did end up crying sad, happy, and messy tears at the end which was realistic and beautiful.

One thing that made this such a quick and fun read was St. Amant’s use of short chapters. That is one thing I honestly love when reading – short chapters. It, to me, makes the story go fast without lingering. Not that I won’t read a “long” chapter book, just a preference. And, with the author’s writing, this sails right through to the end. It’s almost like a walk in the park. 

It isn’t like she is rushing the action though. I was definitely hooked after the first chapter, and wanted to keep reading while wanting to put it down and daydream about love.

While it is distributed by Revell, a Christian/faith themed publisher, there are very few references to God or the bible in this. There are more at the end. But, these are not preachy in tone or an integral part of the story. There is a moment when Gerard reconsiders going to church and listens to a pastor who admits he still sins here or there. It is a refreshing take on faith.

There are some references to domestic violence and alcohol abuse. These are minor and not a huge part of the story, but readers sensitive to these subjects should take note.

Fans of the author and/or genre are sure to enjoy this book. And, after reading it, I am definitely inclined to seek out her next novel; if not her past ones as well.

RATING:

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

BETSY ST. AMANT HADDOX is the author of more than 15 inspirational romances and a frequent contributor to www.iBelieve.com. She lives in north Louisiana with her husband, two daughters, a collection of Austen novels, and an impressive stash of pickle-flavored Pringles. 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.betsystamant.com.

 

You can follow her on the following social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetsySt.Amant/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/betsystamant

  

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