Emily Ellsey's life is surrounded by all the wrong foods in this feel-good story by Alle Wells. She grows up in her parents' cafe and suffers from resentment when her mother sells the place after her father dies. From there, Emily attends cooking school far away, learning how to bake under the tutelage of Madame Drescher. Emily makes a life for herself after graduation and attempts to live a happy life, fortified by the sweet creations she bakes and the beloved comfort foods of her childhood. Unfortunately, tragedy befalls Emily due to her failure to let go of the comforts that soothe her. In Lame Excuses, Alle Wells lulls us into a false sense of security only to jolt us out of a comfort zone, all the while maintaining a pleasant tone and calm demeanor. I feel the message she wants to convey is to relinquish resentments and keep a firm grip on reality by recognizing the warning signs that can hurt you! I recommend Lame Excuses as the perfect "rainy day in bed" reading.