Thursday, February 10, 2011

Bread Alone

Bread Alone and The Baker's Apprentice (along with Beeing about which I posted last week) were given to me by Carol Murdock of Writer's Porch. These charming novels (like Beeing) have as protagonist a woman seeking to make a life for herself after a divorce and finding herself by losing herself in a demanding occupation.
In these novels it's artisan bread making -- in a quaint little Seattle bakery -- that does the trick. With workdays that begin at midnight and end at breakfast time, Wynter quickly becomes immersed in the routine of bread-making.

These are wonderful comfort reads -- beautiful setting, romance, and recipes too. (Quite good recipes.) 


I find it interesting that, though I've never been divorced nor felt the need to reinvent myself, I loved these books. Perhaps it's just the pleasure of feeling that all of us have the potential for beginning again, should we need to.
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15 comments:

Martin said...

I think you've hit the nail on the head there, Vicki. ".. the pleasure of feeling that all of us have the potential for beginning again, should we need to." I find bread making very satisfying.

Pat in east TN said...

I have really enjoyed the Judith Hendricks that I have read. I think she's a very talented writer and am anxious for a new book to come along.

Artisan bread is SO good and SO easy to make. A couple of friends got me hooked on it a while back. Yum!

Brian Miller said...

hmmm...might check these out...we do all have athat potential...and i think we like to see it in others and in stories...that it will be ok....

Alan Burnett said...

They remind me a lot of the kind of novels Katie Fforde writes over here.

Unknown said...

"having the potential for beginning again.." and the making of bread..widowhood means beginning again and breadmaking was a new year's resolution last year. Where did that year go.

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Vicki - thanks for this - these look very interesting! And perfect for me right now. Although not reinventing myself, I am in a period of wanting to spread my wings a bit and expand who I already am.

Jen Green said...

These sound like great books. I will definitely have to look them up. Is it strange that my father (who recently retired) got into artisan baking immediately after retiring? I guess maybe bread being comfort food and yeast and creation being beginnings, baking is a great way to start a new chapter!

Stella Jones said...

They sound like my sort of books when I'm in an un-mystery mood. I love the covers, which is always a good start. Thank you for recommending them. I'm adding them to my list, which grows ever longer.

Brenda said...

Ahh, Bread Alone was a great book! Haven't read the other one, but have just added it to my list!

Folkways Note Book said...

Vicki -- Martin's comment is what I was going to say so I'll just say ditto to Martin's comment -- barbara

Pranavam Ravikumar said...

Nicely written... My wishes!

Margaret said...

I will have to take a look at these as I am on your fifth book. I have read them all in a row and I must say each one is stronger than the previous story. Fascinating Appalacian history, endearing (but not perfect) characters, and intriguing dual plots coexisting throughout each story have kept me spellbound for months. Thank you. When does the next one come out?

Vicki Lane said...

Learning as I go, Margaret! UNDER THE SKIN will be out Oct. 25.

Elora said...

Thank you so much, Vicki, for sharing book choices with us! I've been buried up in Egypt these past few days, but I've made a list of the book choices you've offered recently and gone back to read about Elizabeth Goudge, too, who is beyond a doubt one of my favorite authors. You've provided a whole summer-long reading list, joy of joys! So this comment applies to all your recent suggestions. Thank you so very much! I've started the list in its own notebook. Please give us more as you discover them!

Elora

Vicki Lane said...

I re-read my Elizabeth Goudge books every few years, Elora. And I will indeed be sharing my reading. After a year of reading books I couldn't talk about, it's a joy to be able to share my favorites again.