Where There’s A Whisk by Sarah J. Schmitt is a story about a cooking competition that definitely brings the heat. I enjoyed the tension that follows as the main character must choose between following the storyline the producers have written for her or staying true to herself and risking elimination. The main character is also passionate about cooking, and each of the challenges in the competition are vividly described. This is a great read for those looking for something fast-paced read with plenty of drama.
Title: Where There's A WhiskAuthor: Sarah J. Schmitt
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Rating:
Life is what you bake it.
Peyton Sinclaire wants nothing more than to escape her life as a diner waitress in her small, North Florida town and attend culinary school. Top Teen Chef, Food TV's new show that pairs reality TV drama with a fast-paced culinary competition, is her ticket out of her boring future. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make her dreams come true and Peyton is determined to prove to herself, and the world, that where you're born does not determine where you can go. However, once on the show, Peyton quickly discovers that there is more to the competition than just a well-seasoned dish.
As things start to heat up on and off the set, Peyton will have to prove to the judges that she deserves to win while trying to untangle what is real and what is scripted drama, and decide what she is willing to risk to win before her dreams end up on the chopping block.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Where There’s A Whisk by Sarah J. Schmitt
When small-town chef Peyton gets the opportunity to compete in a reality TV cooking competition, she jumps at the chance to pursue her dream and earn a scholarship to go to culinary school. When she gets to the set, however, she realizes that reality TV isn’t as real as it may seem as the producers of the show have carefully laid out a rags-to-riches storyline for her to follow, planning to exploit her hardships for views. If Peyton doesn’t comply, she will be sent home, in turn giving up her dream. As the competition becomes even more intense, Peyton must decide how far she is willing to go to win.
❀ Dynamic Main Character
Peyton is a dynamic character, and I enjoyed reading about her passion for cooking. She has a hard life with her father in prison and her mother unable to work, but I admired how she stands up for herself and is unwilling to be turned into a sob story for TV. Peyton also has such a strong determination to prove herself, and she really develops throughout the competition, becoming more confident in her cooking. The other competitors are also well-developed, and I enjoyed reading about the relationships they form throughout the competition.
❀ Vivid Descriptions
As a big fan of books about food and competition, I was looking forward to seeing what kinds of challenges this one would include. It lived up to my expectations, and I was impressed by the level of detail that went into each challenge. I especially enjoyed the landmark challenges, where the characters explore New York for inspiration. The vivid descriptions of each aspect of the show make the competition feel more realistic, and reading this book felt just like watching an episode of MasterChef.
❀ Engaging Story
Where There’s a Whisk by Sarah J. Schmitt is an engaging and high-stakes story that is sure to make readers’ mouths water. I loved reading about the behind-the-scenes elements of the cooking competition, and it is easy to feel the main character’s passion. The challenges are also described in detail, making the competition jump off the page. Fans of shows like MasterChef will not want to miss this one.
About Sarah J. Schmitt
Sarah Schmitt is a former K-8 school librarian and Youth Service Professional for Teens at a public library who enjoys teaching writing to teens through interactive school visits. She lives near Indianapolis with her husband, two kidlets, and a Houdini-esque pup named Sadie.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Great review, Olivia! Peyton sounds like a compelling character to read about.
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Thanks! She really is! 🙂
I love reality tv and cooking competitions, so this sounds really fun!
It is such a fun story! 🙂
Reality TV show books can be hit or miss for me. This one sounds like a hit! I would love being able to envision the competition so well. Great review!
Same! Thanks, Deanna! 🙂
We just added this to our TBR! WE love watching cooking competitions.
I hope that you love it! 🙂
I just finished Whisk this morning. It was cute. I really felt like I was in a reality TV show. Author did a great job capturing that. I liked Peyton, but I honestly thought the entire cast was great. The ending was super cute too
It is the cutest story! I am so glad that you enjoyed it, too! 🙂
Sounds good, love food related books.
This one is on my TBR because I love a good cooking competition book! And from your review, it sounds like it lived up to what I’m expecting. Great review!
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This book sounds like a fun read. Thanks!
Sounds awesome! Can’t wait to read this added to my tbr!
I just finished reading this one and thought it was a super fun and cute read! The thing I liked best was how well the author captured the reality tv aspect of it. It really felt like something I could see on the Food Network!
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This is such a fun story line. Great review!
This book looks like a fun read. Fun cover, too!
the synopsis kind of falls flat for me when coupled with the cover. who are the other chaarcters?