An insecure bakery proprietor in Seattle takes refuge in creating
decadent desserts and pastries after she learns of her husband’s infidelity in
this debut novel.
After months of missed calls, late work nights, and virtually no
dialog or intercourse, Elle finds out her husband, Tom, has been having an affair
with one other lady. The story unfolds with two timelines: The previous reveals Elle
and Tom’s historical past: a meet-cute, romantic getaway, marriage proposal, wedding ceremony, being pregnant
scare, and their realization that whereas he needs kids, she doesn’t. The current
exhibits Elle’s response to Tom’s infidelity. Along with baking, she seeks emotional
assist and shelter from her finest pal and enterprise accomplice, Bonnie, and has
“gross” however “crucial” intercourse with Owen, a youthful man she meets in a bar. Bonnie’s
safe and joyful marriage to Charlie gives a pleasant distinction to Elle and Tom’s
difficulties. Tom appears too excellent at instances, and Elle’s response to his
infidelity is extra about her personal insecurity than anger at him. A mixture-up that
brings Tom, Owen, and a police officer to Elle’s house together with a proposal from Elle’s
beforehand unsupportive mom assist Elle embrace the life she actually needs,
which can or might not embrace Tom. There isn’t any excessive idea, massive shock, plot
twist, or high-stakes battle on this story, however the stress builds properly,
and Elle is likable and sympathetic.
Readers will benefit from the heroine’s journey of self-discovery and
the recipes for the lemon tarts, brownies, scones, chocolate Bundt cake, and
different treats she bakes alongside the way in which.
