Sweet Girl
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Wash Your Face comes the story of an aspiring pastry chef whose dreams of culinary confection are put to the test by a romance that was never part of her plan... Max Jennings is in a bad mood. The secrets from her past make it her natural state of being. Max’s bad mood means that very few people actually truly understand her or know that her dream is to be a pastry chef. When a rare opportunity to work for world-famous Avis Phillips presents itself, Max jumps at the chance. Avis and her staff aren’t stingy with the tough love, so Max spends every spare minute practicing her craft. As Max bakes brownies and custards, cookies and galettes, she builds an unlikely friendship with a man she once loathed, and finds herself falling into something she’s spent the last six years avoiding. Will she let her painful past stand in the way, or will she muster the strength to forgive herself and realize her full potential?
A Delectable Journey of Self-Discovery and Love
Rachel Hollis takes readers on an emotional journey in her latest novel, "Sweet Girl," a captivating story that delves into the complexities of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
The narrative follows Max Jennings, an aspiring pastry chef whose prickly exterior hides a tumultuous past. Unlike Hollis' previous work, where she drew inspiration from her own life, "Sweet Girl" required the author to step out of her comfort zone and explore the depths of a character starkly different from herself.
Hollis candidly shares the challenges of writing from Max's perspective, a character she describes as tall, thin, grouchy, and with a pixie cut—a stark contrast to the author herself. Max's journey to self-discovery becomes the focal point of the novel, as Hollis masterfully weaves a tale of redemption, heartbreak, and the transformative power of love.
The character development in "Sweet Girl" is both poignant and relatable. Max's evolution from a seemingly unapproachable roommate in the previous book, "Party Girl," to the protagonist of her own story is a testament to Hollis' skillful storytelling. The author digs deep into Max's past, unraveling the layers of pain and insecurity that have shaped her into the woman readers encounter.
One of the highlights of the book is Max's pursuit of her dream as a pastry chef. Hollis injects the narrative with authenticity by immersing herself in extensive research on working in a commercial kitchen. The result is a vivid portrayal of the culinary world, complete with a myriad of delectable descriptions of desserts that will leave readers both hungry and inspired.
The love story woven into "Sweet Girl" is a standout element, surpassing the romantic subplot of Hollis' previous work. It serves as a catalyst for Max's personal growth, challenging her to confront her past and embrace the happiness she deserves. The connection between love and self-discovery is beautifully explored, adding depth and nuance to the overall narrative.
As an unexpected treat, Hollis shares some of Max's specialty recipes throughout the book, offering readers the chance to recreate the mouthwatering desserts featured in the story. This interactive element adds an extra layer of engagement for those who not only want to read about Max's culinary adventures but also experience them in their own kitchens.
In conclusion, "Sweet Girl" is a triumph for Rachel Hollis, showcasing her ability to evolve as a storyteller. The book is a testament to the author's dedication to her craft, tackling the challenge of creating a character vastly different from herself with grace and authenticity. "Sweet Girl" is not just a romance; it's a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
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Rachel Hollis, Author 
From Blogger to Bestselling Author and Motivational Powerhouse
Rachel Hollis is a powerhouse. An American author, motivational speaker, and blogger, she's known for her infectious enthusiasm, straight-talking advice, and unwavering belief in the power of possibility. But her journey to becoming a beacon of inspiration wasn't always sunshine and rainbows.
From Blogger to Bestseller:
Born in Weedpatch, California, in 1983, Hollis began her writing career as a blogger. In 2014, she published her first book, "Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Finally Live Your Magic." The book, a raw and relatable account of her own struggles with self-doubt and insecurity, became an instant New York Times bestseller, selling over two million copies and inspiring millions of women to embrace their authentic selves.
Hollis didn't stop there. She followed up "Girl, Wash Your Face" with two more bestselling books: "Girl, Stop Apologizing: Radically Owning Your Worth and Power" and "Made for More: Your Year of Living Big, Loving Bold, and Changing the World." Her books resonated with women of all ages and backgrounds, who found themselves drawn to her honest voice, practical advice, and unwavering belief in their potential.
Beyond the Books:
Hollis isn't just a writer; she's a multi-faceted entrepreneur. She co-founded Hollis Brands, a media company that produces podcasts, live events, and online courses designed to empower people to live their best lives. She also hosts the popular podcast "Rise Together," where she interviews inspiring guests and shares her own insights on business, relationships, and personal growth.
Hollis's commitment to social good is evident in her philanthropic work. She's a passionate advocate for children's literacy and has partnered with organizations like First Book to provide books and educational resources to kids in need.
Facing Challenges and Finding Strength:
In 2020, Hollis and her husband, Dave, announced their separation after 16 years of marriage. This public challenge only served to highlight her resilience and ability to find strength in adversity. She continues to inspire her followers with her vulnerability and honesty, demonstrating that even the most successful people face setbacks and that it's possible to come out stronger on the other side.
Legacy of Inspiration:
Rachel Hollis is more than just a writer or an entrepreneur; she's a movement. Her message of self-love, empowerment, and living life to the fullest has resonated with millions of people around the world. She's shown us that anything is possible when we believe in ourselves and take action to create the life we desire.
As Hollis herself says, "You are capable of more than you believe, stronger than you feel, and smarter than you think." These words serve as a powerful reminder to us all to embrace our potential and step into the best versions of ourselves.
I also really enjoyed the baking and foodie part of the story, so it was easy to continue reading. I also want to know, the love story part of Sweet Girl was a lot more prominent then in Party Girl, even though it wasn't the main focus. It was obvious that Max was hiding something from her past, but we don't find out what, until close to the end. By that point, I decided I did like Max and that I couldn't stop reading. This book turned into one of those up until 2 am books because I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.
To read more reviews like this one, check out my site, www.ObsessiveBookNerd.com
