"Cake" is Familiar and Fun

by Natalie Nyquist on September 25, 2007 in Books & Music

Rarely do I anticipate the release of a book. Even more infrequently do I look forward to reading a novel. A contemporary novel, no less. But Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd is sweet and satisfying from the mouth-watering cover art to the last page. This book is more than just “chick lit”. As the debut of a series striving to reach that gap of twenties-something young women, Cake is a visual and mental treat–and the petit fours on the cover are almost too realistic to be bearable.

What makes it different? I can honestly state that there were many times while reading that I forgot where I was and became lost in Lexi Stuart’s world. Just because of my age and my dealing with many of the same questions about purpose and personhood, there were parts of the book where I could almost be convinced I was reliving my own journey.

Sandra Byrd is a good writer. By that, I mean that she knows her craft and treats it with respect. Cake is real. I appreciated that there was no instant love-at-first-sight, no perfect caricatures, no high-speed car chases or impossible happy endings. Lexi is merely a normal girl with normal emotions, a sharp dry wit, and a love of all things French.

I love French culture–the language, the food, the literature. Finding a novel which wove French with English in both words and culture made me want to get out my French Bible for a review. The book drew me in, reminding me of my own days working in a little cafe bakery with its distinct atmosphere, tastes, and experiences.

That said, this series is for young women, not girls. I would not give it to someone under age eighteen without careful thought. I am uncertain of Sandra’s exact audience–supposedly it is to Christian young women, or so I thought. But you will not find much spiritual meat between the pages, nor do any of the characters show a healthy, deep relationship with the Lord. Perhaps Cake is meant to draw in those who have back-slidden, those who are cynical about Christianity?

My last word would be a note that there is a sub-plot involving Lexi’s best friend who is dealing with a past rape and subsequent consequences. In my opinion the conversations about this topic were unnecessary and are what make this book one for adults, whereas without it I could recommend it to a younger audience. I am sure that my own experiences also color my thoughts on this.

That said, I think there are quite a few ladies I know who may enjoy it. So…watch tomorrow for how you can get a free copy.

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