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I listened to this story as an audiobook. I might have rated it higher if I'd read it in book form. I'm not sure.

The audiobook narrator's voice had a quality that came across as whiny to me (even in sections of narration where she wasn't assuming the voice of a character) and I think that spoiled my enjoyment of the story and also distracted me from the story itself.

I do usually like Irene Hannon's books, but I have read quite a few of them lately, and I wonder if I am tiring of them. I am going to put the remainder of my list of hers back a bit on my TBR list and see if I like them better if I read a few other authors in between. ( )

The story centers around a Karen a woman in her late 30's who is divorced and has one teen-aged daughter. She is the elder daughter to her cranky old mother who intimidates people for control and position in their lives. After her mother has a stroke, the burden of care for rehab visits and constant demands wear her patience so she calls her sister Val who has abandoned the family in pursuit of a career in the theater and arts. Karen, being the more responsible of the two daughters, has finally had her fill of stress after suffering through a terrible marriage with an unfaithful and ungrateful husband whom Karen had dutifully cooked and cleaned for as well as managing the household. Val returns home to help and surprisingly reboots her relationship with her sister after many years of being away. ............The story is continues with the 2 sisters meeting love interests, gaining a deeper understanding of their strained relationships with their mother, unearthing secrets in each others lives and deepening their strength and relationship with God. ......Story easy to predict as you go, but listened all the way through and found it heartwarming anyway, a little like a Hallmark movie. ( )

Had to have a piece of cake while reading! Okay, maybe I had more than one piece. Awesome cake- even better book!

Janice is a master at comedic writing. The characters in The Icing on the Cake are familiar characters in from several novels she has written over the past 4 years or so. Very lovable, respectable, and even though things may be exaggerated for comedy reasons, the people are actually very realistic.

It did not take me long to read this at all. So much fun, and easy to relate to in many ways. The main character and her self confidence issues. The crazy relative that makes you squirm when they enter the room. The one thing someone said to you that has affected how you identify with yourself, usually in a bad way. And how to overcome, forgive and embrace those around you, and embrace life.
“Amazing Grace” was a song that brought many tears to people in one scene and wrapped up the issues faced by many of the characters. Not only are we provided grace by the good Lord Jesus, but we need to extend that to others. FORGIVENESS.
Beautiful. Funny. Enjoyable beyond words. I loved the book and highly recommend it. Especially if you are feeling stressed or blue and need a lift me up.
Note: opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks . ( )

I've only read Irene Hannon's suspense books, but didn't hesitate to buy this one, even though it was of a different genre, because she is a wonderful writer.
I am so glad that I bought the book because it moved me in a wonderful and powerful way.

Karen and Val are sisters, but Val moved away as soon as she graduated 18 years ago, leaving Karen behind. Now, 18 years later, their mother suffers a stroke and Karen just can't manage on her own. Her mother is always putting her down, measuring her against Val's standards, who was prettier, more successful and more talented, while Karen is frumpy, overweight and can't even keep her marriage alive, having divorced 2 years previously. Karen hates to do it, but she calls Val and asks for her help. Val comes back to their hometown, but is full of misgivings and guilt and a hurt so deep it seems it will never be healed.

This book is a book of heartbreak, sin and redemption. It will fill you with pain but make your heart soar with joy also. Throughout the book, Hannon gives us the wonderful example of God's grace to take His children through any situation life throws at them. His mercy endures forever.

Don't miss this book. It will move you like few do. ( )