Day’s YA: RUBI RAMOS’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

RUBI RAMOS’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS by Jessica Parra
9781250862525
5/16/2023
Wednesday Books
Ages 12-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

Rubi Ramos has a lot going on. She’s in the home stretch of her final semester of high school and could not be more conflicted. Since immigrating from Cuba, her parents have always dreamt of a bright future for her. This includes attending the prestigious Alma University, which will set her up to become a brilliant lawyer one day. However, Rubi’s true passion lies in creating delicious sweets and treats–something she gets from working at her parents’ bakery. But Rubi’s mother has instituted a Ban on Baking so that Rubi can pour all of her focus into academics and the debate team. Rubi has never protested, but when a local Bake-Off competition is announced with a star-studded panel of celebrity chef judges, she knows she has to bend (and maybe even break) her parents’ rules. 

Things get even more complicated when Rubi is waitlisted at Alma, though. She’s determined to do everything she can to get off the waitlist, without ever letting her parents know she was on it in the first place. Luckily, a dreamy surfer who’s a whiz at math is going to help her ace her trig midterm. Soon enough, the budding romance between them adds one more distraction to Rubi’s life as she struggles to balance everything while prioritizing Alma, as she’s always been taught to do.

RUBI RAMOS’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS is a delightful read that kept me turning the pages. Rubi’s relationships with her friends and Ryan are heartwarming, and the complicated dynamic between her and her parents is one many teenagers and young adults can relate to. Rubi’s struggle to define herself, solidify her talents, and balance making herself happy and pleasing her parents is also something that will resonate with all readers, young and old. Parra’s description of Rubi’s recipes made my mouth water and gave very interesting insights into Cuban culture and food. There were multiple instances where I wanted to reach through the pages and sample her baked goods for myself! I was rooting for Rubi the entire time and felt overjoyed with every one of her successes. I’d recommend this novel for fans of Emma Lord, Mazey Eddings, and Amanda Quain.

Happy reading!
<3 Michelle

YA Resources:
2023 Books for Teens
Day’s YA Archives
2023 Adult Books for Teens