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LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE BY JACKIE LAU | PUBLICATION: MAY 7, 2024 ATRIA/EMILY BESTLER BOOKS | GENRE: ROMANCE RATING: ★★★✬ |
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Jackie Lau, author of the “full of heart” (Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author) The Stand-Up Groomsman, returns with a charming rom-com about a young woman’s desperate attempts to fend off her meddling mother…only to find that maybe mother does know best.
Mark Chan this. Mark Chan that.
Writer and barista Emily Hung is tired of hearing about the great Mark Chan, the son of her parents’ friends. You’d think he single-handedly stopped climate change and ended child poverty from the way her mother raves about him. But in reality, he’s just a boring, sweater-vest-wearing engineer, and when they’re forced together at Emily’s sister’s wedding, it’s obvious he thinks he’s too good for her.
But now that Emily is her family’s last single daughter, her mother is fixated on getting her married and she has her sights on Mark. There’s only one solution, clearly: convince Mark to be in a fake relationship with her long enough to put an end to her mom’s meddling. He reluctantly agrees.
Unfortunately, lying isn’t enough. Family friends keep popping up at their supposed dates—including a bubble tea shop and cake-decorating class—so they’ll have to spend more time together to make their relationship look real. With each fake date, though, Emily realizes that Mark’s not quite what she assumed and maybe that argyle sweater isn’t so ugly after all…
Mark Chan this. Mark Chan that.
Writer and barista Emily Hung is tired of hearing about the great Mark Chan, the son of her parents’ friends. You’d think he single-handedly stopped climate change and ended child poverty from the way her mother raves about him. But in reality, he’s just a boring, sweater-vest-wearing engineer, and when they’re forced together at Emily’s sister’s wedding, it’s obvious he thinks he’s too good for her.
But now that Emily is her family’s last single daughter, her mother is fixated on getting her married and she has her sights on Mark. There’s only one solution, clearly: convince Mark to be in a fake relationship with her long enough to put an end to her mom’s meddling. He reluctantly agrees.
Unfortunately, lying isn’t enough. Family friends keep popping up at their supposed dates—including a bubble tea shop and cake-decorating class—so they’ll have to spend more time together to make their relationship look real. With each fake date, though, Emily realizes that Mark’s not quite what she assumed and maybe that argyle sweater isn’t so ugly after all…
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LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE by Jackie Lau is a charming quest for love, life, and the unexpected turns that come with both. The novel follows Emily Hung, a woman in her thirties who is under pressure from her mother to settle down and get married. In an attempt to appease her mother, Emily and ugly-argyle-sweater Mark engage in a fake dating escapade, complete with convincing photographs. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to realize that their feelings might not be so pretend after all.
The charm of the book lies in its relatable characters and the realistic portrayal of family dynamics. Emily and Mark, both mature and career-focused individuals, navigate the complexities of dating in a way that many will find familiar. The meddling of Emily's family adds a layer of humor and authenticity to the story, resonating with readers who have experienced similar familial interactions.
The novel also touches on personal growth and self-discovery, particularly through Emily's journey as a writer. Her evolution as an artist, gaining confidence as she switches genres, is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the importance of advocating for creative professions.
With subtle tributes to "Pride and Prejudice," LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE serves as a homage to classic literature and a celebration of the writing community. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the unpredictability of love and the beauty of embracing life's surprises. Whether you're a fan of romance, humor, or stories about personal growth, this book is a slice of literary joy that's aims to satisfy.
The charm of the book lies in its relatable characters and the realistic portrayal of family dynamics. Emily and Mark, both mature and career-focused individuals, navigate the complexities of dating in a way that many will find familiar. The meddling of Emily's family adds a layer of humor and authenticity to the story, resonating with readers who have experienced similar familial interactions.
The novel also touches on personal growth and self-discovery, particularly through Emily's journey as a writer. Her evolution as an artist, gaining confidence as she switches genres, is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the importance of advocating for creative professions.
With subtle tributes to "Pride and Prejudice," LOVE, LIES, AND CHERRY PIE serves as a homage to classic literature and a celebration of the writing community. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the unpredictability of love and the beauty of embracing life's surprises. Whether you're a fan of romance, humor, or stories about personal growth, this book is a slice of literary joy that's aims to satisfy.
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About the Author:
Jackie Lau studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to her first love of writing. She is now the author of over twenty romantic comedies including Donut Fall in Love and The Stand-Up Groomsman. When she’s not writing, she enjoys gelato, gourmet donuts, cooking, hiking, and reading. She lives in Toronto with her husband. Find out more at JackieLauBooks.com.
Photograph by Emily Ding.
Photograph by Emily Ding.
*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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