Even before I began blogging I discovered Judi Hendricks and the first book in this series called Bread Alone and I loved it and then came The Baker’s Apprentice which I equally loved. I have waited a long time for another book in this series and it’s here! It’s called Baker’s Blues and it’s a wonderful book that touched my heart. Judi has a warm style of writing – much like the thought of warm bread out of the oven with lots of butter slathered on – that just invites you to cozy up in your chair and devour her books page by page. The Bread Alone series follows Wyn Morrison and while Baker’s Blues can stand on it’s own I really think a reader would benefit from reading all of them and in order because this is such a great series and as you read the story continues to evolve and you come to care about Wyn and her love for those close to her as well as for baking bread.
In Baker’s Blues, on a warm July morning Wyn receives a phone call that nobody likes to get – her ex husband Mac is dead. While they were divorced she still loved Mac and she’s devastated, so much so that she can’t seem to work through her grief. So while Wyn is still running her bakery she’s kind of drifted away from being hands on in the process of baking bread and she feels the need to get back to that. As she takes her place in the bread rotation she begins to reflect on the past and her life with Mac and all that happened that led her to this point in her life.
I found this novel quite emotional as Wyn remembers the good and the bad times she experienced with Mac. As they began their relationship and marriage they were so happy but as time went on Mac spiraled into a deep depression and the novel addresses the effects of depression not only on the person experiencing it but also on those who have to live with them. If you’ve ever experienced depression yourself or lived with someone who has this story will really hit home with you. You can feel how much Wyn loves Mac but nothing she does seems to fix him or their relationship. As well as the emotional side to this story you still get all the foodie references that are a part of Judi’s novels and as usual reading one of her books makes me want to bake a loaf of fresh bread just for the warm yeasty smell of it.
Once again Judi Hendricks has fully drawn me into another of her stories. Not only was I emotionally invested in this story and in Wyn’s thoughts and feelings but also in the descriptions of the settings and the food and the adorable Corgi Charles made me swoon being the dog lover I am. I think this may be the last book in the Bread Alone series but I hope not. I’d love another novel that takes us through the next part of Wyn’s life. I also have to make mention of the beautiful cover on Baker’s Blues – I love the vivid colors and the kneading of the dough – it’s gorgeous! Highly recommended for foodies and those who love women’s fiction!
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GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US & CANADIAN RESIDENTS
1 copy up for giveaway
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Draw Date August 29/15
It sounds wonderful, Dar. I love the cover!
I’ve read a lot of great things about this author and book. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I love that cover too. I am not at all adept at baking bread. Does it come with a slice? LOL
I read another review of this one recently and thought it sounded like something I might like. I admit the cover threw me at first. I’m not much into baking or cooking, admittedly. The story sounds good thought and I’m curious about Wyn.
I love Judy’s books so much I begged to be added to the tour! I found Baker’s Blues to really show her development as an author. It was thought and emotion-provoking with such nuanced, real characters.
Darlene, thank you for hosting this giveaway! I’ll add it to my blog’s sidebar. I love the cover and the contents sound wonderful.
I haven’t read this series but clearly I’m missing out on getting to know Wyn! I must remedy that.
Thanks for being a part of the tour!