From Scratch

August 1, 2017
Tough times are nothing new for Eva, dubbed Cookie by a local at the bakery where she works. Cookie has struggled to make ends meet while raising her daughter, Katie, now in college. But Cookie isn't the only one with money problemsthe bakery is closing, and there aren't a lot of options in town for a single mother without a high-school diploma. The thought of opening her own bakery doesn't even cross Cookie's mind until Katie encourages her, pushing her to take a class on business management. But opening a bakery takes more than skills in the kitchen and good money sense; it requires a confidence that Cookie doesn't think she has. She has friends on her sideincluding a handsome regular who seems interested in more than her bakingbut it won't mean a thing if Cookie can't believe in herself. Cookie's perseverance through hardship is certainly inspiring, and her bonds with the local community heartwarming. For readers who need a little encouragement, this is just the ticket.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)