The Cupcake Queen

The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nobody really bothers with cake anymore - it's cupcakes that everyone wants these days. They make a great backdrop for a cute coming-of-age storyline.

This is the story of Penny, whose parents are separated. She's moved with her mom to somewhere north of New York City, about 300 miles north to a small town called Hogs Hollow. It's a beach town despite the clear farming reference. Penny is a 14-year old freshman in high school and is learning to cope with high school, new surroundings and her mom's cupcake shop.

There is bullying that happens here and it goes unaddressed by the adults who are clearly aware of it. This is sad - while it is realistic it isn't ok for kids to behave this way. Fortunately Penny finds some friends who help her cope. But it doesn't erase what is clearly adding to Penny's heartbreak over her parents' split. The great thing that balances this is the maturity of the characters. One is quirky, one is wry. Penny herself is quiet and reserved, handling the abuse doled out to her by a jealous mean girl with aplomb. Marcus, the love interest, is adorable. And the romance develops on the side, enhancing the plot without overtaking it.

This was just a sweet little slice of life, a peek into the life of a high school girl whose life is dramatically changing. It's a quick read and thoroughly enjoyable. Just a bit of sugar - not a whole cake, just a cupcake's worth.

View all my reviews