Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall

In Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake (2021), first in Alexis Hall’s Winner Bakes All series, single mother Rosaline is working minimum wage jobs and struggling to pay her bills. When she gets the chance to appear on Bake Expectations (a fictional baking competition show which is clearly a loving homage to the Great British Baking Show), she’s determined to win, as the prize money could change her and her daughter’s lives.

On her way to filming, Rosaline meets fellow competitor Alain, with whom she has instant chemistry. At first, he seems perfect: he’s charming, witty, handsome, and a successful architect. But as the show begins, Rosaline also finds herself inexplicably drawn to Harry, a shy, awkward electrician who is nothing like the partner Rosaline’s parents have always expected her to have.

If you enjoy British humor, and especially if you have seen the Great British Baking Show, this book is hilarious. (If you haven’t seen the Great British Baking Show, reading this book will definitely make you want to watch!) In addition to the humor, Rosaline’s journey is also emotionally moving, as she learns to be more confident and stand up for herself.

This book features a large, well-developed, and diverse cast of characters (many of whom are LGBTQ+, including Rosaline, who is bisexual).

The series continues with Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble (2022) and Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot (tentatively scheduled for 2024).