Picture a baker-turned-bestselling novelist whose cupcakes and love stories have stolen hearts worldwide—meet Abby Jimenez! This American romance author blends humor, heart, and real-life struggles into her contemporary novels, earning her a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. From her Nadia Cakes bakery to her witty rom-coms, Abby’s journey is as inspiring as her stories.
The Making of Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez’s story begins in Minnesota, where she grew up with a knack for storytelling and a love for baking. In 2007, after losing her job as a retail manager while pregnant with her third child, she turned a hobby into a lifeline. From her home kitchen, she founded Nadia Cakes, a bakery that would later win Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2013. Her entrepreneurial spirit and Sicilian family baking traditions fueled her rise, but it was her passion for romance novels that sparked her writing career. During a rainy camping trip in the Boundary Waters, Abby spun a tale for her kids, igniting her dream to write.
Abby Jimenez’s Unforgettable Stories
Abby’s debut novel, The Friend Zone (2019), is a heartfelt rom-com about love, infertility, and friendship, inspired by her own life challenges. It became an instant USA Today bestseller and won Poland’s Empik award in 2020. The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020) follows a grieving woman finding love, blending humor and healing—now in development for a film adaptation. Life’s Too Short (2021), a Minnesota Book Award winner, tackles anxiety and family bonds, while Just for the Summer (2024) hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list with its curse-breaking love story. Abby’s writing shines with witty dialogue, relatable characters, and serious themes like grief and mental health, all wrapped in a feel-good romance package.
Her latest, Say You’ll Remember Me (2025), explores memory and love, drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s 'Wildest Dreams.' Abby’s 'Abbyverse'—a web of interconnected characters across her books—delights fans with Easter eggs and Minnesota settings, from Lake Minnetonka to Duluth’s Christmas lights. Her novels, translated into 28 languages and selling over 1.5 million copies, balance laughter and depth, making her a standout in contemporary romance.
Why Abby Jimenez Matters
Abby Jimenez has redefined romance by weaving real-life issues into her stories, resonating with readers who see themselves in her authentic characters. Her Minnesota pride shines through, earning her the nickname 'one-woman booster for state tourism.' With a massive social media following—bolstered by viral moments like her bakery’s 'vageode' cake—Abby connects with fans through humor and vulnerability. Her dual success as a baker and author inspires aspiring creatives, proving passion can lead to unexpected triumphs. From book club picks to Good Morning America features, Abby’s impact on romance fiction is undeniable.
- Key Works: The Friend Zone, The Happy Ever After Playlist, Life’s Too Short, Just for the Summer, Say You’ll Remember Me
- Awards: 2022 Minnesota Book Award, 2020 Empik Award
- Fun Fact: Her bakery’s 'vageode' cake went viral in 2018 for its unintended resemblance to a vagina.
Ready to fall in love with Abby Jimenez’s world? Grab Just for the Summer and dive into her heartfelt, hilarious rom-coms today!