THE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE is the second book in the series starring the four O'Bannon sisters: Bridget, Nora, Maggie, aka Magpie, and Abby. This is Nora and Ben's story. Unhappy in her marriage for years, the overwhelming financial pressures and lack of communication with her husband, Ben, is taking its toll on Nora. His gambling addiction has used up their savings, put them seriously behind in bills especially mortgage payments and they are in a big mess. Ben has put all the pressure on Nora's shoulders. That afternoon, returning home from working at her family's bakery, she finds a Notice for Auction stapled to the front door. This is it! Nora and her children, Sarah and Jake, will be homeless. Nora must also face the fact that her marriage is over and a divorce is a strong probability. How can she tell her family that what they believe is her perfect life is a lie? Known as the family "anchor" and "fixer," this time she is unable to be either. She loves her children but no longer has faith in Ben. He has let his family down to often. How can she tell the children about their father's habits that have placed them in such peril? They adore him and will refuse to believe her.

Charmed by Dessert is the family owned bakery where Nora is the talented icing artist. I enjoyed the delicious pastries described there. I especially enjoyed the torta del cielo cake that comes with a cake pull. This Victorian traditional cake uses silver charms attached to ribbons hidden in the tiers of the cake. Guests pulling on the ribbons would be rewarded with a little trinket. How charming is that?

Nora works with two of her sisters and her widowed mother, Colleen, and loves creating and working with them. She receives a call from Magpie who invites Nora and her children to spend a few days on Cape Cod. What a great time for an escape from Ben and all her serious problems that must be solved soon, such as finding a place for her and the children to live. Her time at the ocean is just what Nora needs, but she is unable to share her pressing problems with her sister. She meets a handsome young man who is an artist and lives across from their cottage. There is a strong, sexual attraction between them. He looks at her the way Ben used to and she likes it. She likes it a lot. Any possibility of a future with him? She wishes things were better with Ben.

Ben comes across as a very caring dad and he is filled with hope, but knows he failed Nora in the past. When he gets it together, I loved his romantic invitation for a new beginning complete with a torta del cielo cake. It was warm and lovely. Come, take this voyage with Nora and Ben as we navigate through rocky seas. This is an uplifting story of forgiveness, second chances, and love. You are a great writer, Shirley Jump, and very addictive! Sisterhood, gambling addiction, bullying. are subplots with characters that are true to life. I especially loved Roger, the older man who sets out to charm Colleen and will not take NO for an answer. A delicious read that you will love. I did and want more, along with some "goodies" from Charmed by Dessert!

Book Summary

From New York Times bestselling author Shirley Jump comes a heartwarming tale about friendship, family, and the unbreakable bond between sisters.

THE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Nora has always been the sister who binds the O'Bannons together. No matter what crisis hits, smart, dependable Nora knows how to fix it. But for Nora, the pressure of perfection is taking its toll.

Nora's marriage is in trouble, and she has been reluctant to worry her sisters with just how dire her situation is. Now though, faced with losing her husband, her home, and the life she's worked so hard to build, Nora can no longer pretend.

As the O'Bannon women rally around her, Nora begins to see that failure is nothing to fear. It's like they say in the bakery: if you want to make something good, you can't be afraid to get messy. When her husband returns, asking Nora to give their family a second chance, Nora must decide if their relationship can be saved-or if it's time to throw out the old recipe and start from scratch.