My Saucy Stuffed Ravioli: The Life of Angelica Cookson Potts

Like the first book (My Cup Runneth Over) this one is shorter than I would have liked, but it's also pretty funny and adorable.

I am so glad there is a heroine out there who is big and proud of it. I love this story best out of all the Angelica Cookson Potts books because she finally realizes she likes George. :) But My Cup Runneth Over is my second favorite. And the recipes are great too. I think this book is great for teen girls' body image and makes us laugh.

Angelica Cookson Potts - Angel to her friends and family - is in what you would call L-O-V-E with Sydney, the boy who used to be nothing more than the bane of her existence, but who has taken on the role of handsome Prince in her eyes. That is, if only he would stop ignoring her, and start getting to the romantic bits. After all, he gave Angel her first kiss, and stood by her when her family was being attacked over the whole Harrod's Haggis dilemma, and now he acts as if he doesn't exist. So Angel must do what she can to capture his attention once more, before her and her girlies leave for Italy. Sadly, this task is much harder than it should be; and with a little advice from her pals, Angel begins trying to put her mind to other things - like welcoming back her gorgeous friend Mercedes, who has been in America; and trying to discover the truth regarding why her mother has been so secretive lately - and is coming home with very few parcels when she returns home from her undercover meetings. Suddenly, Angel is in full panic mode. She feels as if her life is crumbling all around her. After all, her mother appears to be having an affair, she's in love with a boy who won't give her the time of day, her bikini turns transparent when submerged in water - if only she had known this ahead of time - and she's becoming distracted by some very cute guys in Italy. Now she must do what she can to put her life - which is currently in shambles - back together, before she blows her top. Cherry Whytock is an expert storyteller, especially when it involves describing the life and times of a teenage girl who isn't blessed with an hour-glass figure, and has a very in-depth crush on Jamie Oliver - aka the Naked Chef. Angel, unlike many of the characters found in various other teen fiction series, leads a life where she complains about her body image, then stuffs her face - indicating that it is not as bad as it seems. Sure, she may be a bigger size than her friends, but she sees herself as gorgeous, and that's all that matters. Angel is the alternative teen fiction character, whose bizarre antics, and delicious recipes will win readers over left and right, and keep them coming back for more. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper