From the Antigo Daily Journal, Wednesday, August 6, 2008, page 6

Best Books

Laurel Bradley’s new book called a rather tasty read

Laurel Bradley’s second published book, “Crème Brûlée Upset,” will be featured in an author talk Thursday beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the library.

Anyone who knows Bradley is aware that she is an artist, not only at the keyboard, but in the kitchen. A word of warning, therefore. Do not open the covers of “Crème Brûlée Upset” if you are hungry, because the descriptions of culinary delicacies will drive you into the kitchen where you will peer into your refrigerator at the dismal substitutes. Even if you eat them, you won’t be satisfied.

Set in Chicago, “Crème Brûlée Upset” is a delightful story about a lawyer (the guy) and a chef (the girl), who appear to be destined to always say the wrong thing, or say the right thing at the wrong time, through most of the novel.  But don’t misunderstand; the dialogue sparkles. At 3 a.m. I was hooting our loud at the repartee and sizzle of Bradley’s dialogue.

The main characters, Mike (the guy) and Patrice (the girl), elicit a broad range of emotions from the reader as the story progresses. Just as many like to offer football coaching advice from the couch, the reader is often moved to suggest useless advice to Mike and Patrice. They don’t need it, of course, because Bradley know why they are behaving the way they are, and you (the reader) will eventually catch on. The reasons for their poor interactions with one another subtly slip into the story when you’re not expecting them.

In addition, Bradley has created a second tier of characters who are a joy. David and Bubba are two of my favorites, but there are also the mothers, Bubba’s family, and a few others. When you find yourself wanting to meet these people, you’ve found an author who is well worth reading.

On Thursday evening, then, come see Bradley in the McGinley Room at the library. “Crème Brûlée Upset,” her second published romance, is a lovely read. Even if you can’t taste the delectable food Laurel describes, you can savor her characters and a truly engaging story.

Cynthia C. Taylor

Antigo Public Library Director