SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BITTER AND SWEET

by Laekan

All Pen wants is to open a bakery alongside her father's restaurant, which she basically runs now anyway. Her parents want something different for her. When she reveals a lie she has been telling them (that she hasn’t been going to school as they wanted), she is thrown into another direction, trying to decide if she wants to follow tradition or go her own path.

Xander wants a family after being abandoned by his parents and living with his ailing abuelo. He wants to find his father, who came to the US on a work visa and never came back. Xander gets a job at Pen's parent's restaurant where he begins to finally feel at home. When his immigration status comes up and can cause friction, he decides to do whatever he can to help his new family.

This book is part coming of age, part romance, but such a great book. You cheer on both Pen and Xander, hoping that they find what they are searching for. You love the sense of community and how everyone wants to help each other. The descriptions of the food make you hungry and make you want to visit your local Mexican restaurant (and also a bakery).