Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success - by Jessica Parra (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Most Anticipated YA by Goodreads!

"An earnest, charming coming-of-age story that will come for your heart and your appetite." --New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord

Graduation is only a few months away, and Rubi Ramos's "recipe for success" to get into prestigious Alma University is already off track.

When Alma waitlists Rubi's application, Rubi will need to be distraction-free to make the grade and keep her parents--who have wanted this for her for years--from finding out. Which means falling for her cute surfer-slash-math tutor, Ryan, definitely won't work. And neither will breaking her mother's ban on baking--her parents didn't leave Cuba so she could bake just like them.

But some recipes are begging to be tampered with.

When the First Annual Bake Off comes to town, Rubi's passion for baking goes from subtle simmer to full boil. Add to the mix her crush on Ryan may be turning into a full-fledged relationship and Rubi's life is suddenly so different from what it was. She's not sure if she has what it takes to win the Bake Off, or where the relationship with Ryan is going, but there's only one way to find out--even if it means going against her parents' priorities.

Now Rubi must differentiate between the responsibility of unfulfilled dreams she holds and finding the path she's meant for.

A joyful novel of first romance, new possibilities, and the chance to define yourself, Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success will find its way into your heart.

"[A] thoughtful, joyful coming-of-age story...beautifully written and brimming with love and acceptance." - Kirkus

Review Quotes

Epic Reads and Goodreads Most Anticipated YA Books of May

"Propulsive chapters, plenty of high-stakes tension, and candid conversations about racism and classism fill Parra's lively debut." --Publishers Weekly

"By the last words of the first page--"hazelnut conchas"--I was hooked (& hungry)! As someone who grew up in an immigrant household & dreamt of being a novelist, I related too well to Rubi's struggle between pursuing her passion for baking & making her Cuban parents proud. My heart rooted for Rubi as she rose to each challenge--college admissions, falling in love, baking & debate contests, & of course, sharing her true self with her parents." -- Romina Garber, author of Lobizona and Cazadora

"An earnest, charming coming-of-age story that will come for your heart and your appetite. Rubi's deeply relatable (and often laugh-out-loud hilarious) struggles in balancing her dreams, family, and first love will have you rooting for her on every page." -- New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord

"Witty and warm. Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success is a story filled with laughter, baking, love, and puns galore. Every page is a baked delight and leaves your mouth watering for more. It's impossible not to root for Rubi Ramos's joy." - Tashie Bhuiyan, author of Counting Down with You and A Show for Two

"With language I wanted to devour, RUBI RAMOS'S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS is both a sensory experience and stunning exploration of immigrant ambition and next generation joy. A delightfully delicious and hopeful love letter to honoring our legacies while learning to not just survive but thrive. " - Nina Moreno, author of Don't Date Rosa Santos and Our Way Back to Always

"Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success deftly handles both the heartwarming and heartbreaking aspects of the immigrant experience with great empathy and nuance, all while charming you with a thrilling competition, mouthwatering treats, and a drizzling of teenage fun. With so many things to enjoy, this book brings new layers with every bite." --Jesmeen Kaur Deo, author of TJ Powar Has Something to Prove

"Filled with delectable pastries that will make you wish there was an accompanying recipe book, Jessica Parra's RUBI RAMOS'S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS has just the right balance of new love sweetness, family dynamics, and rich cultural history." - Mia García, author of The Resolutions

"Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success is a delectable debut filled with fierce Cuban rep, generous portions of heart and good humor, and an abundance of scrumptious baked goods sure to impress the judges (even Paul and Pru!). A truly sweet delight." --Susan Azim Boyer, author of Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win

"With strong nods to The Great British Bake Off, this debut novel bursts with baking puns and flirty innuendo. Those hungry for a compulsively readable romance will be satisfied, but the deeper consideration of how the things we do (and what we love) become part of who we are--well, that's the cherry on top." --Booklist

"This is the kind of book that will leave a smile on readers' faces at every page turn." - School Library Journal

About the Author

As a lawyer and daughter of Guatemalan and Cuban bakers, Jessica Parra never objects to an extra slice of cake. She's a Los Angeles native who loves to write about Latinas with big hair (and even bigger dreams), complicated families, and the healing magic of acceptance. She's the author of Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success and many unfinished first drafts about cats living their best lives--all nine of them. When she isn't drafting books you can find her sipping kombucha, cuddling with her kitties, or co-piloting the Millennium Falcon at Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge.

You can visit Jessica at jessicaparra.com