This book really hit the spot. There's not a big plot-line; the story mainly follows Hayley's life and character development. But you'll never hear me complaining about character development, or emotional themes. Divorce, friendships dying (and new ones growing), love and rejection and everyday imperfection. Hayley is now one of my GOAT book characters; I related to her so much, and I felt like I was learning and growing with her throughout the story. (Oh, and did I mention she has a British grandmother who has tea every afternoon with an old Polish man who's just a good friend? Their dynamic is so cute and amazing and I kind of want to be her.)

Speaking of hitting the spot—I just finished eating a carrot cake cupcake (the first recipe of eight scattered between chapters) and WOW. Soft and full of flavor. The ginger cardamom cream cheese frosting—if anything takes the cake, that's it. And I'm not just saying that. I'm excited to try the other recipes.