The Bliss family owns a bakery in a charming little town where they know everyone and everyone loves their baked goods.  They also happen to be magical bakers–when a little boy is electrocuted, they save him by bottling lighting and mixing it up in a special cake–which means they’re pretty handy to have around.  And, everybody loves their treats.  Although, to be honest, the magical cakes and goodies really didn’t sound that good, thanks to the weird ingredients.  Who really wants food with the breath of a sleeping dwarf in it?  But, the regulare stuff sounded (and looks!) fantastic.

And I think when I finished it, I went straight to the kitchen and did a little baking.  So, I have Ms. Littlewood to thank for these:

YUM!

At times the narrative ran a little slow for my tastes (remember, I tend to write break-neck books) but the kids’ interactions and the warm family feel kept me reading until the plot picked up.  Without giving away too much–I really liked the way the ‘bad guy’ was handled, and the big decision the main character has to face, and loved the awesome details to the cookery spells and the inner-workings of a magic bakery.  However, Bliss really should come with a warning label–even talking about it leaves me twitching to bake!

“Hmmm…do you suppose they ever cook with catnip?  Perhaps in a custard pie with plenty of cream?  I would be happy to sample that.  And just imagine all the magical properties they could get if they mixed in the pounce of a cat, or a kitten’s first purr.  The ability to go unseen, for starters.  Do you see me here?  Yes, but only because I let you.”

If you could bake anything and have it turn out perfectly on the first try, what would it be?  And since we’re talking magic, you should assume all ingredients are on hand and there’s no clean up!

Share, share away: