The back cover says it best: "When Deena Livingston moves into her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, she plans to keep to herself, start a cake-decorating business, and recover from the heartbreak she left behind in Atlanta. But a special request from Grandpa Ernest compels her to interact with the Bryson City locals, who have some surprising stories to share with the new girl in town.

Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber who shows up at the most unexpected times, a hansome social worker who seems to know exactly what Deena is thinking, and a classroom full of mischievous middle-school students teach Deena to once again embrace the sweet things in life?"

I enjoyed all the characters in this story! Everyone has "scars" to overcome in their life, whether physical or emotional. Deena will learn how to overcome hers with the help of all these other people she will come to know and love. ( )

"Heartache, friendship, forgiveness .... are just some words to describe this touching story called "How Sweet It Is" by Alice Wisler. I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars ... definitely living up to it's name!"

Read more of this review here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-sweet-it-is.html ( )

I enjoyed this quick read by this author I had not heard of before. I will definitely look for other books by her. I was wondering if reading a book that involved a baker would make me hungry, but the food descriptions were quick and not a major part (in my opinion) of the plot. Although I am a Christian, I do favor books like this that are not heavy-handed, clichéd, nor preachy. Everything unfolds nicely, and you get out of it what you want. ( )

Oh this one touched close to home. Deena Livingston and her boyfriend are involved in an accident. He doesn’t bother to come see her, he just sends her flowers. When I read this I thought about my cousin. The night she became engaged she and her fiancé were involved in an accident. After emerging from a coma she had to learn to talk all over again, as well as learn to walk. She actually overheard her fiancé tell a friend outside of her door at the hospital that there was no way he would marry her. When the friend asked why, he replied that he would not marry a retard.” He had caused the accident. She was so hurt yet determined to move on with God’s help. Deena is just as determined. She moves to a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. Her grandfather left it to her with the stipulation she will teach cooking classes to a group of middle schoolers. You could see the hand of God in all of this as she begins to heal not only on the outside, but on the inside. It is through learning to know these children and the scars they hide within themselves that she begins to heal. I know as a teacher I often have kids dealing with some pretty terrible things. Sometimes those things resonate with me and I find myself thinking about how much I have felt some of the same things and have harbored hurt or hatred even. It is through helping others we often help ourselves.
I enjoyed this book more than her first one. I look forward to reading more by her. ( )

After a car accident and devastating break up with her fiancee, Deena leaves behind her job as chef in an Atlanta restaurant and plans to start a cake decorating business in her new home Bryson City, North Carolina. Deena's grandfather left her a cabin there in Bryson City. However, Deena is completely unprepared for the stipulation in her grandfather's will, which she must agree to in order to inherit the cabin. She also has no idea the plans God has in store for her. Once Deena lets God lead her she finally believes her heart can heal and that she can love again.

Every small town has its unique residents and Bryson City is no different. There is the simple, but wise plumber Jonas, the town cheapskate Marble Gray and a whole host of characters in between. Wisler unfolds her plot through her characters. The reader truly does come to know them as friends and neighbors. Various culinary dishes are almost characters in and of themselves. Wisler indulges the reader by including recipes for these dishes.

Wisler brings her novel to a satisfying conclusion, but I can see lots of room for sequels or companion novels if she so chooses. And I hope she does. This is a great book for readers of gentle romance, fans of food-based fiction and small town fiction similar to Jan Karon's Mitford series. ( )