The Sweetest Thing
Author: Christina Mandelski
Release Date: May 10, 2011
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Sheridan is just your average fifteen year old. Except for the fact that her mother left the family years prior, her dad is about to get a reality TV show and Sheridan’s crush has no idea that she exists. Also known throughout town as “cake girl” for her beautiful cake creations, Sheridan comes up with a plan to track down her mother and bring her back home once and for all. With the help of her best friend Jack, Sheridan is sure that she can convince her mom to return home and then Sheridan is convinced that she can have the life she’s always wanted. But Sheridan is about to learn that sometimes the family and friends that surround you during the toughest times are the ones that really matter.

I absolutely adored Sheridan as a main character. From her cute name to her unique cake decorating hobby, I loved Sheridan from the beginning. There was something about her that made her easy to relate to, even though I’ve never been in a situation like her. In fact, I couldn’t be more different from Sheridan, yet I was still 100 percent able to connect with her throughout the novel. Mandelski does a fantastic job putting the reader right into the heart and mind of a 15 year old; I certainly could relate to Sheridan’s confusion during the awkward teenage years.

Before I launch into praising the book even more (because it is a seriously fantastic debut), let me tell you one thing that I didn’t love about the novel: the rocky relationship between Sheridan and her dad. While it was nice to see their relationship evolve throughout the story, I still couldn’t get over how inconsiderate her dad was at several points in the book. He was so selfishly focused on himself; I found the way he acted a bit unrealistic, especially considering the situation Sheridan’s mother had put the two of them through.

Even though I didn’t completely connect with Sheridan’s father, I quickly fell in love with many of the secondary characters in THE SWEETEST THING. My favorite? Sheridan’s hilarious grandmother. I laughed out loud at several of Nanny’s famous sayings and sweet advice. I also enjoyed Mr. Roz, who worked in the bakery alongside Nanny and Sheridan. It was nice to see that Sheridan had a strong support system, despite her distant relationship with her father and her non-existent mother. And then there’s adorable Jack….how can you not fall in love with Jack? He’s sure to win your heart.

Let’s talk about the cake. And the delicious food delectably described throughout the book. Seriously? Don’t read this book hungry. I loved reading about the different meals Sheridan’s dad was making, the sweets in the family bakery and of course, Sheridan’s elaborate cakes. Sheridan’s cake decorating hobby was definitely something new I’ve seen in a book and it was a really fun activity to learn more about. I wish I had those kinds of skills!

The TV show aspect of this book made the entire story a bit more fun. Who hasn’t thought of what their life might be like if they were in a reality TV show? I enjoyed the scenes between Sheridan and the TV producers. Getting a small glimpse into “reality” TV was certainly interesting.

One thing I loved in this book (which surprised me, really) was the small plot line dealing with Sheridan’s faith. Father Crowley was a welcome and unexpected character in this book. I haven’t read any YA books that delve into topics like religion and fate, so this was a new and refreshing plot to me. I wasn’t sure if I’d be into it but after reading THE SWEETEST THING, I’d definitely like to try other books that deal with these topics.

Mandelski is definitely an author to keep an eye on! I expect to see great things from her in the future.

4.5/5

Review copy provided by author and publicist.