Love at 350°

Tori Moore is a high school chemistry teacher and single mother with a knack for baking. When her teenage twins sign her up for American Bake-o-Rama, a competitive but feel-good baking show, Tori takes the opportunity to try to win some money. Once on the set, she catches the eye of one of the judges, the infamously harsh Kendra Campbell. Through six weeks of fierce competition, Tori and Kendra fall for each other, and they soon realize that love, rather than money, may be the greatest prize of all. Peers’s (Love and Other B-Sides) sophomore novel is a backstage look at reality television, featuring sumptuous treats and a delightful grumpy/sunshine romance. Barrie Kreinik gives voice to the ruthless but tender Kendra and the uncertain and lonely Tori as they both try to play by the rules. The romance is slow and not all that steamy, and the love story is sweet, like so many of the bakes. Home bakers will also enjoy the recipes at the end.