A Second Bite at the Apple Paperback – November 25, 2014

I fell in love with Sydney, the novel's protagonist, on the very first page; completely hooked, right from the start. If you don't love Sydney, then you won't love this book, so let me see if I can explain. She's intelligent, witty, has a sharp tongue (mostly inside her own head and, on occasion, out loud!) and finds many of the things she's required to do for her job somewhat ridiculous. She's not exactly where she'd like to be in her career, her relationships or her life, in general, but she thinks she's moving in the right direction. Well, until she's not...There are so many different elements to this story that it is difficult for me to categorize; there are family dynamics, old wounds, professional woes, friendship dilemmas, a love of food, whistle-blowing and some wonderful descriptions of the Washington, D.C. area. After reading this book, I felt as if I'd been on a tour of Washington, D.C., to all of the cool, hip places, escorted by an old friend; I also felt hungry, because the food descriptions are mouth-watering. Sydney originally set out to be a food writer and then, as it so often occurs, she was forced to fall in wherever she could find a job; her interest in food, and the stories behind the food we eat, never waned and it shows up in her work.The element that drew me in the most, though, was the struggle Sydney seems to experience regarding her path to happiness; like many, Sydney has to be able to continue supporting herself, but at what cost? How much are you willing to risk to do what you think is right; to leave your current, albeit rocky, path for an unknown future? Readers are able to follow Sydney's journey alongside some hilarious, raucous characters that will surely have you laughing, and cringing, at their antics.This is one of my favorite books that I've read this year; it definitely had me turning the pages quickly, yet I was disappointed when I finished because I wanted to read more! There were many elements within this story to which I could relate, and I loved all of the characters; Sydney's boss at the Wild Yeast Bakery is particularly prickly, yet highly entertaining and lovable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who can relate to the challenge of accomplishing a goal, while also acknowledging the boundary that determines what you'd be willing to do in order to achieve that goal.

Sydney takes an outrageous trip through DC, farmers markets, publishing, romance, family, and some questionable decisions in this energetic book. I liked that the story didn't drop the climax on the last page.

Dana Bate never fails to make me hungry whenever I read her books. It was a fun read but The Secret Supper Club is way better. Looking forward to her next book!

I read Bate's book "The Girls' Guide to Love and Supper Clubs" and could not wait for this novel to be published. Didn't love it but it's a sweet, easy read.

Anyone who enjoys that small niche of foodie fiction will love this book. It has love, heartbreak, second chances, joy and sadness all mixed in with good food. Bate's first book, The Girls Guide to Love & Supper Clubs is excellent as well. Be sure to check out the recipes at the end too!

Characters are like you and your friends and family. Secrets and consequences at the heart of the story along with changes, growing up and second chances. Nice dialogue that sometimes makes you laugh out loud.

So entertaining!! I couldn't stop reading! It has everything...Characters you can fall in love with, relate to, and laugh at ...and an entertaining plot with moments of page turning suspense and burst of hilariousness!

Too many characters. Did not finish

it's a easy book to read. nice and enjoyable story to read.