She knows that she can’t expect to be handed success, but she does believe that if she can demonstrate her passion, she’ll be guaranteed a place in the spotlight. She’s persistent, smart and sweet, and is without the sense of entitlement displayed by the nameless protagonist of Fergus’s previous book Exploits of a Reluctant (but Extremely Goodlooking) Hero. Francie is a fun character, and tween girls will easily relate to her. Francie is sure that all the disasters in her life can be turned into success if only she can meet Lorenzo and wow him with her passion and talent – although she knows it will take a lot of hard work and perseverance.

Darlene thinks Francie’s baking is weird, attracts the attention of her super-crush chemistry partner, and seems to be stealing her best friend away from her. Everything seems to be going along perfectly for Francie until a new girl shows up at school. She also has a part-time baking business, and dreams of the day that she’ll have her own TV cooking show just like her idol Lorenzo LaRue. She’s boy crazy, aims to have nearly perfect hair, is a little bit clumsy, and spends her time shopping, and chatting with her best friend Holly. Young readers will gobble up this hilarious exploration of a girl's recipes for friendship, dating, fame and coconut-drop cookies.įourteen-year-old Francie Freewater is like most other girls her age. It won't be easy - but Francie is starting to understand that although trying won't guarantee success, quitting will guarantee failure. Francie is sure that if Lorenzo could only see how passionate she is about baking, he would help launch her career, and possibly marry her when she reaches legal age. Then Francie gets a chance to meet the sexy celebrity baker Lorenzo LaRue, whose toned pectorals inspire Francie as much as the baking tips she picks up from his TV show. Unable to stay focused, Francie's pastry-filled dreams are starting to slide. But the new girl at school, Darlene, thinks Francie's obsession with baking is weird, she acts like Holly is her best friend, and she's somehow managed to steal Tate's attention away. She dreamed about the day she'd be famous and have her own baking show. She had her own business as a weekend baker whose scones almost caused stampedes, a best friend named Holly and a deeply fulfilling crush on Tate Jarvis.

Francie's life was almost perfect before the new girl showed up.

Recipe for disaster by maureen fergus