THE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE is the second
book in the series starring the four O'Bannon sisters: Bridget,
Nora, Maggie, aka Magpie, and Abby. This is Nora and Ben's
story. Unhappy in her marriage for years, the overwhelming
financial pressures and lack of communication with her
husband, Ben, is taking its toll on Nora. His gambling
addiction has used up their savings, put them seriously
behind in bills especially mortgage payments and they are in
a big mess. Ben has put all the pressure on Nora's
shoulders. That afternoon, returning home from working at
her family's bakery, she finds a Notice for Auction stapled
to the front door. This is it! Nora and her children,
Sarah and Jake, will be homeless. Nora must also face the
fact that her marriage is over and a divorce is a strong
probability. How can she tell her family that what they
believe is her perfect life is a lie? Known as the family
"anchor" and "fixer," this time she is unable to be either.
She loves her children but no longer has faith in Ben. He
has let his family down to often. How can she tell the
children about their father's habits that have placed them
in such peril? They adore him and will refuse to believe
her.
Charmed by Dessert is the family owned bakery where Nora is
the talented icing artist. I enjoyed the delicious pastries
described there. I especially enjoyed the torta del cielo
cake that comes with a cake pull. This Victorian
traditional cake uses silver charms attached to ribbons
hidden in the tiers of the cake. Guests pulling on the
ribbons would be rewarded with a little trinket. How
charming is that?
Nora works with two of her sisters and her widowed
mother, Colleen, and loves creating and working with them.
She receives a call from Magpie who invites Nora and her
children to spend a few days on Cape Cod. What a great
time for an escape from Ben and all her serious problems
that must be solved soon, such as finding a place for her
and the children to live. Her time at the ocean is just
what Nora needs, but she is unable to share her pressing
problems with her sister. She meets a handsome young man
who is an artist and lives across from their cottage.
There is a strong, sexual attraction between them. He looks
at her the way Ben used to and she likes it. She likes it a
lot. Any possibility of a future with him? She wishes
things were better with Ben.
Ben comes across as a very caring dad and he is filled with
hope, but knows he failed Nora in the past. When he gets it
together, I loved his romantic invitation for a new
beginning complete with a torta del cielo cake. It was warm
and lovely. Come, take this voyage with Nora and Ben as we
navigate through
rocky seas. This is an uplifting story of forgiveness,
second chances, and love. You are a great writer, Shirley Jump,
and very addictive! Sisterhood, gambling addiction, bullying.
are subplots with characters that are true to life. I
especially loved Roger, the older man who sets out to charm
Colleen and will not take NO for an answer. A delicious
read that you will love. I did and want more, along with
some "goodies" from Charmed by Dessert!
From New York Times bestselling author Shirley Jump
comes a heartwarming tale about friendship, family, and the
unbreakable bond between sisters.
THE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE
Nora has always been the sister who binds the O'Bannons
together. No matter what crisis hits, smart, dependable Nora
knows how to fix it. But for Nora, the pressure of
perfection is taking its toll.
Nora's marriage is in trouble, and she has been reluctant to
worry her sisters with just how dire her situation is. Now
though, faced with losing her husband, her home, and the
life she's worked so hard to build, Nora can no longer pretend.
As the O'Bannon women rally around her, Nora begins to see
that failure is nothing to fear. It's like they say in the
bakery: if you want to make something good, you can't be
afraid to get messy. When her husband returns, asking Nora
to give their family a second chance, Nora must decide if
their relationship can be saved-or if it's time to throw out
the old recipe and start from scratch.
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