To get to happily ever after,
sometimes you need to start from scratch…
Abbey Ross, who runs her own bakery in Oakland, California, is known for her visually stunning wedding cakes. But lately, Abbey’s own love life has become rather stale. According to her best friend, Bendrix, Abbey’s not the spontaneous young woman she was when they were teenagers listening to the Cure and creating attention-grabbing graffiti. Of course, her failed relationship with a womanizing art forger might have something to do with that. Nevertheless, it’s time for Abbey to step out of the kitchen—and her comfort zone—and Bendrix has even handpicked a man for her to date.
Samuel Howard is everything Abbey’s dreamed of: handsome, successful, and—most important of all—looking to raise a family. But a creamy icing might be needed to hide a problem or two. When Samuel complains about disrespect for the institution of marriage, Abbey’s reminded of her nontraditional family, with thirteen children from various mothers. And when Samuel rails about kids having kids, Abbey can’t help but think of her twenty-year-old sister who’s recently revealed her pregnancy.
Soon Abbey is facing one disaster after another and struggling to make sense of it all. Her search for love has led her down a bitter path, but with the help of her unique family and unwavering friends, she just might find the ooh la la that makes life sweet.
Read an excerpt of A Pinch of Ooh La La
Praise for A Pinch Of Ooh La La…
“As usual, Renee Swindle is the master of setting the scene… in addition to the well-developed characters, artful descriptions of baked goods and jazz and the shocking plot twists, the notable nuggets of information about Oakland add an interesting touch.” -Shelf Awareness
“A Pinch Of Ooh La La proves that Life is still sweet” –She Reads
“A story about how amazing a ‘nontraditional’ family can be… A PINCH OF OOH LA LA will have readers salivating over peach and goat cheese tarts while tapping their feet to the thoughts of jazz classics” – Every Free Chance Books
“A PINCH OF OOH LA LA is perfect for after your kids (finally) go back to school” – Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, authors of Your Perfect Life.
“I dare you to read Renee Swindle’s delicious new novel, A Pinch of Ooh La La, without pulling out mixing bowls and scanning your music collection for the perfect, jazz-fueled accompaniment. Swindle hits all the right notes with this unique and satisfying tale of love, friendship, and family.” –Julie Kibler, bestselling author of CALLING ME HOME
“You might think you know where A PINCH OF OOH LA LA is going when you begin reading it, but you are in for a surprising and outrageous journey. I laughed, I nodded, I shook my head and said, “Girl…” –I could not put this book down, and when I finished, I felt like I was saying goodbye to now dear friends. I’m still missing the likable lead and her colorful family. So worth a read.” –Ernessa T. Carter, bestselling author of 32 Candles and The Awesome Girls’ Guid To Dating Extraordinary Men
“Renee Swindle’s A PINCH OF OOH LA LA is touching and honest, with humor and romance in just the right measures. Swindle’s novel confirms the healing power of family, and her writing sparkles with endearing characters. A fully satisfying read, A PINCH OF OOH LA LA left me with heaping spoonfuls of hope.” –Amy Nathan, author of The Glass Wives
“Renee Swindle writes about the complications of love with great humor, compassion and sass. A Pinch of Ooh La La is a pure delight!” –Ellen Sussman, author of the New York Times bestselling novel, French Lessons, and A Wedding in Provence.