Review: 'Love, Lies and Lemon Cake' by Sue Watson (2014)

Faye Dobson has lost her sparkle. Living on film star fantasies and vague memories of a marriage that once was, she can’t help feeling that life is passing her by. She dreams of being whisked to Paris for dinner, making three wishes at the Trevi fountain and having sex under the stars. But the wrinkles are multiplying, her husband’s passion is for plumbing, and the nearest she’ll get to Rome is a take-away pizza. 
So when Faye meets Dan the gorgeous Australian surfer guy working in the local deli she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to see the world. He is blonde, tanned, ten years younger and bakes the most amazing lemon cake. Unlike her husband Dan actually listens to Faye, his smile makes her feel fizzy inside, and when he smiles... Oh. My. God. 
But is Faye being silly? What would Dan see in someone like her? Even if he did have feelings for her, could she give everything up to be with him?
Thanks to the lovely Kim at Bookouture, I received a review copy for another promising romantic comedy novel a few weeks ago, namely ‘Love, Lies and Lemon Cake’ by Sue Watson. I remember the release of Sue’s book ‘Younger, Thinner, Blonder’ last year, but up until now I hadn’t actually read any of her work. Sue left behind her life in the TV world to write and her first novel ‘Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes’ focused on a woman struggling with her weight, work, marriage and motherhood. Today, her third novel is being released (congratulations, Sue!) and I’m glad I was given the chance to check out this book and Sue’s writing for myself!
Faye Dobson is having some serious second thoughts about her life. Her daughter has started university and doesn’t seem to need her mum that much anymore, her job as a hairdresser is alright but not that exciting, and she seems to be stuck in a loveless marriage with her husband Craig. Getting tired of losing herself in daydreams about famous Hollywood actors, Faye starts to wonder if she could reinvent herself, start anew.  Her crush on the local deli guy, Australian and handsome Dan, who is ten years younger than her, appears to be a first step towards a change, especially when he seems to be flirting with her as well. Will Faye have the guts to take matters into her own hands and become the person she always wanted to be or is she simply too stuck in her ways to make that change?
I straight away loved the cover of ‘Love, Lies and Lemon Cake’ and was curious to finally check out Sue Watson’s writing . The book has an engaging heroine at its centre; I loved how Faye just seems to find herself in unfamiliar situations where she just blurts out whatever she’s thinking. She’s a fun protagonist whose behaviour and actions made me laugh out loud, but at the same time I admired her for her wanting to turn her life around, for taking that leap. I think many female readers will be able to relate to Faye and secretly wish they could do what she does. This hope of it never being too late to start living your life and do what you want to do is a wonderful message that lies at the core of the story.
Next to Faye, there’s the easily likeable Australian deli guy Dan; I really liked him and was definitely rooting for him and Faye to get together. While I was reading the book, I did occasionally get the feeling that the story was a bit slow-paced and more things could have happened to Faye. She’s a great character and I would have loved to have read more about her. Overall, ‘Love, Lies and Lemon Cake’ is a light-hearted and fun romantic comedy about giving life a second chance and never giving up hope to be who you want to be.  Rating:

8,0/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.