Salt and Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho

Salt and Sugar

by Rebecca Carvalho

The grandchildren of two rival Brazilian bakeries fall in love despite their families’ feud in this delicious debut rom-com perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Gloria Chao.
 
Trust neither thin-bottomed frying pans nor Molinas.
 
Lari Ramires has always known this to be true. In Olinda, Brazil, her family’s bakery, Salt, has been at war with the Molinas’ bakery across the street, Sugar, for generations. But Lari’s world turns upside down when her beloved grandmother passes away. On top of that, a big supermarket chain has moved to town, forcing many of the small businesses to close.
 
Determined to protect her home, Lari does the unthinkable—she works together with Pedro Molina to save both of their bakeries. Lari realizes she might not know Pedro as well as she thought—and she maybe even likes what she learns—but the question remains: Can a Ramires and a Molina truly trust one another?

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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There is something so charming about romance and food, don't you think? Perhaps I was so drawn to Rebecca Carvalho's Salt and Sugar. This YA novel has a bit of a twist in that it is both romance and a retelling of Romeo and Juliet – bakery style.

As long as Lari Ramires can remember, her family has been feuding with the Molinas. In truth, they've probably been feuding with them since well before she was even born. It doesn't help that the two families run different bakeries – directly across the street from one another. Talk about heavy competition.

The feud between the Ramires and the Molinas could have lasted forever if not for outside forces. Yet the new threat the bakeries face is very familiar to small business owners – a mega-corp moving in and taking over the town. Will it be enough to bring these two families together?

I've always been a bit of a sucker for retellings (in case you haven't noticed). In particular, I'm fond of Romeo and Juliet retellings, as there is something about this story that works well in a more modern setting. And yes, before you worry – it works beautifully in Salt and Sugar.

It's a tale as old as time – two feuding families, two family businesses, and a bigger threat that will force everyone to come together (or tear everything down). Salt and Sugar had all the makings of a fantastic story, and Rebecca Carvalho ran with it.

There's a lot to enjoy about Salt and Sugar. Lari and Pedro's story is fun and fascinating, with that classic trope so many readers love (enemies to lovers). Also, serious bonus points for naming the two bakeries Salt and Sugar. Love it.

What surprised me was the way this novel tackled grief. It was so touching and beautifully done, making the story feel real and very (painfully) human. It's that added level that this romance needed.

Thanks to Inkyard Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 4 November, 2022: Finished reading
  • 4 November, 2022: Reviewed