I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Art of Baking Blind by Sarah VaughanPublished by Hodder Paperbacks on August 13, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
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There are many reasons to bake: to feed; to create; to impress; to nourish; to define ourselves; and, sometimes, it has to be said, to perfect. But often we bake to fill a hunger that would be better filled by a simple gesture from a dear one. We bake to love and be loved.In 1966, Kathleen Eaden, cookery writer and wife of a supermarket magnate, published The Art of Baking, her guide to nurturing a family by creating the most exquisite pastries, biscuits and cakes.
Now, five amateur bakers are competing to become the New Mrs Eaden. There's Jenny, facing an empty nest now her family has flown; Claire, who has sacrificed her dreams for her daughter; Mike, trying to parent his two kids after his wife's death; Vicki, who has dropped everything to be at home with her baby boy; and Karen, perfect Karen, who knows what it's like to have nothing and is determined her façade shouldn't slip.
As unlikely alliances are forged and secrets rise to the surface, making the choicest choux bun seems the least of the contestants' problems. For they will learn - as Mrs Eaden did before them - that while perfection is possible in the kitchen, it's very much harder in life.
So with a gorgeous cover and being about baking The Art of Baking Blind was a winner from the start!
I loved that this story was interwoven with snippets from Kathleen’s own life and sections of her famous baking book. I loved the baking disasters, the mouthwatering food descriptions and how food was basically the answer to everything. This book left me feeling permanently hungry, while at the same time running to the cupboard to find some delicious baked good, while trying to read the book at the same time.
There was a wide cast of characters, meaning that I had a couple that were my favourites while there were a couple who I didn’t care about. I loved Jenny, Claire and Kathleen’s stories, I disliked Karen (although I do feel like she is the character who you are meant to sympathise with but not root for), my feelings for Vicki didn’t really emerge. And annoyingly Mike seemed to have a story but he certainly was not the focus of this book. All the narration varied between the characters but I’m pretty convinced that Mike never had a chance. Which is a bit annoying, and to be honest made me feel like he he was a filler character, but really….
It is this minor thing that means The Art of Baking Blind is not a five star book. It is just me being incredibly fussy. Because this book is brilliant. With its delicious descriptions, inspirational message and showing how something can come out perfect even if you are baking blind.
All the contestants are having to deal with problems both at home and in the competition and it is lovely to see how they all develop and form relationships. And all of them have their own reasons for wanting to win. But I am please about who won as that person is my favourite 😉
This is a delightful little book, packed with goodness and little treats. One that should definitely be winging its way onto your TBR pile!
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