About

A Dash of Trouble is the first book in the Love Sugar Magic series written by Anna Meriano. Can be read as a standalone too.

A Dash of Trouble book cover

Blurb

Leonora Logroño’s family owns the most beloved bakery in Rose Hill, Texas, spending their days conjuring delicious cookies and cakes for any occasion. And no occasion is more important than the annual Dia de los Muertos festival.

Leo hopes that this might be the year that she gets to help prepare for the big celebration—but, once again, she is told she’s too young. Sneaking out of school and down to the bakery, she discovers that her mother, aunt, and four older sisters have in fact been keeping a big secret: they’re brujas—witches of Mexican ancestry—who pour a little bit of sweet magic into everything that they bake.

Leo knows that she has magical ability as well and is more determined than ever to join the family business—even if she can’t let her mama and hermanas know about it yet.

And when her best friend, Caroline, has a problem that needs solving, Leo has the perfect opportunity to try out her craft. It’s just one little spell, after all…what could possibly go wrong?

Review

Wholesome family. Small scale conflict. Baked goodness 🍪. A perfect recipe for a comfort read in troubling times.

Leo's tantrums didn't make a good first impression for me (especially since it resulted in food wastage). As I got used to the family members, the bakery and the school setting, I started enjoying the book more.

I was lazy to look up all the Spanish terms sprinkled throughout the book. Enough context was there to get a basic understanding, but I guess someone familiar would've enjoyed them better. I've already watched "The Book of Life" and "Coco" animated films, so Dia de los Muertos festival was familiar for me.

The school day after the cookie disaster had me laughing out loud. Overall, this was a nicely paced comfort read and I've added the sequels to the TBR list.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆

What others are saying

From Kaye's review on goodreads:

Wonderful, warm and utterly brimming over with magic! This is a middle grade that is best served with your favorite sweet treat and a mug of hot chocolate, on a day when you can really sink into your sofa cushions and savor it.

From Zoraida's review on goodreads:

A smart, clever debut. Perfect for fans of Wizards of Waverly Place and The Book of Life.

Bingo

/r/Fantasy/ 2021 bingo categories:

  • New to You Author
  • Backlist Book
  • Comfort Read (HM)
  • Has Chapter Titles
  • Title: _____ of _____
  • Debut Author
  • Witches (HM)