I really like In The Sweet Kitchen by Reagan Daley. It's more of a text book read but fascinating. There are some great recipes but there are a lot of explinations - different types of flours, sugars, what flavours best pair with other flavours.
It is more of a baking book as opposed to a cake decorating book.
You need to check the local library. I have so many and love them all. I would look thru the pages just to see if there was one or two pictures to want to make, or learn about.
Peggy Porschen's book "Pretty Party Cakes", Mich Turner's "Spectacular Cakes", anything by Toba Garrett or Nick Lodge or Lindy Smith... The list goes on and on!! 
It's really a personal thing, you have your own taste and that may not be the same as mine. Cakewalk by Margaret Braun wasn't my taste, nor is anything by Colette Peters, but then you may love those books. I second the above suggestion -- go to the bookstore (or library) and read!
I just got a new book from the library today, it's called "Two-Hour Party Cakes - 30 cakes to decorate in two hours or less" By Carol Deacon
I haven't tried any of them but as a newbie myself I have to say that I can not wait to try almost all of them!
Now to decide who the lucky people to test them out on will be! 
For Mother's Day I got "Cupcakes by the Cake Mix Doctor" and "Chocolate by the Cake Mix Doctor." Yesterday on her website I read where Anne Byrne also has a Christmas Book! I can't wait to get that one!!
You're gonna LOVE the Cupcake Doctor book. It's awesome!!!!
Who is the author of "The Essential Guide to Decorating?"
"The Essential Cake Decorating Guide" i think i have an extra one at home. It was from Michaels, but the cover looks a bit different. I bought one and then my friend gave me one a year later for my bday. i couldn't return the one at Michael's cause i didn't have a receipt, w/out a receipt they take off 15-20% off the price. i gotta take a look at the book now (well tonight).
Kat
ok i finally found a pic of the book i got - i'll attach a pic.
IF anyone is interested PM me. oops forgot foto 
I love the books of Peggy Porschen "pretty party cakes" and her new book "romantic cakes "
You're gonna LOVE the Cupcake Doctor book. It's awesome!!!!
Who is the author of "The Essential Guide to Decorating?"
Wish I could help you with that one. There is not an author's name listed. There is a editor's name of Jane Price if that helps any.
This is a AWESOME book!
I have to second The Whimsical Bakehouse, Debbie Brown, and Lindy Smith's books, any time I get one of them, it's like Christmas. I have also gone to my library, and if yours is like mine, they can request from other libraries, until you get to see tons of them, and then pick your favs!!
Christie
Whimsical Bakehouse is my most favorite cake book. I love the style and colors of the cakes. They give me lots of inspiration. 
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