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The Key to Love #ourgoodlifebookreview

 I received an advanced copy at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

I was so pleased to be chosen for the Blogger Team for The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant.  I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed the fresh, simple themes of her romance novels.  This one did not disappoint, although for me, it had a different "flavor" than her usual novels. 



Book Synopsis:  

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.


Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.

My Review:

I loved the setting of a bakery in a small town.  Betsy does a wonderful job of detailing the work behind the scenes, the grueling schedule, and the not-so-pleasant side of serving the public. The shop's characters were well developed, if a bit underplayed, and added depth to the overall story.

What was different was the tone.  At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Gerard, a writer who is sent by his boss/friend to cover a story about a romantic bakery that had a video go viral.  Gerard is a world traveler, and nothing about the small town of Story fit into what he has come to expect from his travels.  This level of discontentment and sarcasm weighed on me a bit, enough that I found that I had to put down the book for a time before continuing to read.  That being said, the transition of Gerard from a growly writer to a possible lover did change my views about the story.

I enjoyed the plot and the small twists that were written into the storyline.  The world is indeed a small place, and Betsy shows us that at many opportunities throughout the book.  She also shows us that love isn't a Rom-Com movie, that it is messy and is different for each and every one of us.

About the author:  Betsy St. Amant is the author of more than 15 inspirational romances and a frequent contributor to iBelieve.com. She lives in north Louisiana with her husband, two daughters, a collection of Austen novels, and an impressive stash of pickle-flavored Pringles. When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white chocolate mocha--no whip. Learn more at www.betsystamant.com.

I am an Amazon Affiliate seller, and the purchase of this book using the link below earns me a commission.  

Would you like to comment?

  1. There are times when I have to put a book down for a bit when the character becomes too much for me too. This sounds like a good read though!

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  2. Anonymous10:06 AM

    I really enjoy this blog, and also the twist written in the story. Great Job!

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  3. This sounds like a really interesting book, I have to admit I love something with some twists in it and doesn't make out love to be perfect and not messy.

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  4. The key to love looks like a really good read. I am not a huge reader but this makes me want to pick it up and give it a try. Thanks for the review and suggestion.

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  5. This sounds like a great read. I love books that have a message in them. Nothing is perfect.

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  6. I really want to read this book. I love finding books that take a more realistic look at themes like love. I'll have to pick this up.

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  7. This post gives me an interest to read this book, it's interesting and I like to know the whole story. I need to check this out!

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  8. Oh thank goodness this book sounds far more realistic when it comes to romance than movies and other books I have read in this genre. It's not all peaches and cream and I am glad that's emphasized because otherwise these books and movies put false perspectives in people's minds!

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  9. This sounds like a wonderful book. I'm always looking for new books to read. I'll have to check this one out.

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  10. This sounds like a lovely book. I haven't been reading much of anything lately and it is nice to hear about some good reads.

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  11. I'll tell the hubs about this book. He's the bookworm over here and he's always looking for new books to read. -LYNNDEE

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  12. Such an interesting book. I want to read more about this. I'm really not a book lover but this gives me interest to know more. I need to read this book!

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  13. I'm always looking to add to my book list. I will put this one on it!

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  14. I love reading! It's a special world. The Key To Love sounds like a beautiful world! Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Sounds like the kind of book I normally enjoy! I love romance novels. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  16. I need to get back to reading my novels, so this review reminded me of that!

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  17. Nikki Wayne9:33 PM

    I love the conflict of the story. And I'm so down for some love story to read

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  18. I love a good book and this one sounds like the type of books that I enjoy. I love mysteries and books that keep you on your toes.

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