The story begins with the death of Cora Lee, an elderly baker. Her spirit haunts the people who attempt to take her place in her cherished bakery. However, everything changes when Annie Washington, a tenacious woman, arrives and decides to settle in. Annie challenges Cora Lee, and the two engage in a battle of wills. Cora Lee demands that Annie make her a cake like no one has ever made for her before. Annie takes on the challenge and spends countless hours perfecting the recipe. Finally, she presents Cora Lee with a birthday cake for what would have been her 100th birthday. Cora Lee is impressed and satisfied, and the two women realize that they have combined their talents. From then on, they live (and haunt, and bake) together in harmony.
The illustrations in this story are scrawly and sketchy, which gives the story a bit of a hectic feel. This adds to the overall atmosphere of the story and makes it more engaging for the reader.
The theme of this story is baking, compassion, friendship, and ghosts. It shows how baking can bring people together, even if one of them is a ghost. It also emphasizes the importance of compassion and friendship in overcoming differences and building relationships.