Cakewalk - by Susan Katein & Carole Algier & Kathy Lanyon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Three sisters gathered after 9/11 to open a liqueur-infused cake business in this hilarious memoir, which spans farmers markets to Rachel Ray and appeals to fans of foodie memoirs and the Food Network.

Born to a depressed, exhausted mother and an abusive father who uses his seven children as cheap labor for his business schemes, Sue, Carole, and Kathy raise themselves in their chaotic household. The sisters all marry young; two divorce quickly. But despite the obstacles they face, the three women grow into confident businesswomen and remain extremely close as they build families and recover from their toxic childhood. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the sisters gather over chilled martinis to take a serious look at the future and decide they should be together--in business. Bring on the cake. Liqueur-infused cake, that is. They soon start handing out samples of their inventions at farmers markets like seasoned carnival barkers, and soon a Food Network producer who's stopped by their table invites them to New York City--sparking a hilarious adventure involving one-way streets, security guards, and the NYPD, all in an effort to get their cake into the hands of the producers at The Food Network and Rachel Ray.

Review Quotes

"A testament to the transformative power of sisterhood, the resilience forged through adversity, and the invaluable lessons unearthed amidst life's trials. . . . this memoir leaves us cheering for the indomitable force of positivity and the sweetness found when we come from a place of love."--Theresa Hummel Krallinger, Emmy Award-winning comedian


"I was very emotional reading this story. It brought a lot of feelings I experienced in my childhood. Sometimes I felt like I was writing this book."--Lisa Oteri, owner of Oteri's Italian Bakery, Philadelphia, PA


"The narrative is visual and absolutely relatable, creating a richer and more immersive experience. The showing evoked my emotions and I was able to emphathize with the characters and their situations. The showing allowed me to connect with the characters and events on a deeper level and made the story more impactful and memorable. Its relatable and affectionate."--Sandra Cain, best-selling British author of Running for My Life


"This book drew me in fast and kept me reading from the first 'oh no - how did they ever survive that?' chapters thru the inspirational 'wow, that took brass ones' middle until the final 'Yes! That's what victory looks like'-ending. These women know how to make walking on coals look like a cakewalk, and do it with humor. Brava!"--Annmarie Kelly, best-selling author of Victorious Woman! Shaping Life's Challenges into Personal Victories, Victory by Design, and The Five-Year Marriage

About the Author

Carole Algier, Sue Katein, and Kathy Lanyon grew up in Collegeville, PA in a family of five girls, two boys, and two absent parents. Carole is an artist who enjoys gardening, gourmet cooking, and entertaining. Kathy is a no-nonsense, light-hearted mother of two whose strength is delegating with great organizational skills. Sue is a practical, sensitive mother of one who enjoys baking, writing, and entertaining. As partners, each of them brings something unique to the table: Sue, who has thirty-five years of experience in corporate small business operations development, is the creator of their business's cake recipes; Kathy, who has thirty-five years of corporate IT experience, is the technical advisor who keeps them in the twenty-first century; and Carole, who has forty years of experience in the food industry, utilizes her art background for marketing and branding. All three sisters have a great sense of humor and value family time with their husbands, children, grandchildren, and friends.