Meeslepend verhaal. Goodfeellroman. Leuk zomerboek.bakery and bread ( )

I read Stephanie's debut novel Letters to my Husband earlier this year and absolutely loved it. I was therefore excited and also a little bit nervous about reading her second book. Excited because I'd loved the first so much and nervous for the same reason, I was worried in case it didn't live up to expectations. Well the good news is, there is no need to worry, this is another really good read.

The book revolves around Bettina and her artisan bakery cafe Adventures in Bread. Opening the shop was Bettina's way of trying to move forward from an event 15 years previously which totally altered her life path. The problem is, however that that life defining event is so firmly locked in her psyche that it keeps her chained to the past and influences her friendships and would be relationships. Unfortunately, or fortunately a chance meeting forces her to face her demons and finally confront them. Without dropping any spoilers that's all I intend to say about that.

From the cover and the title you might be lulled into thinking this is a chick-lit type romance, but far from it. It's an emotional, bittersweet tale that is at times hard hitting and covers relationships, love, loss and loyalties, in a way that is realistic and totally engaging. The book is exceedingly well written, and alternates Bettina's back story when she was known as Tina, with a her contemporary life and "friendship" with Rufus until the two finally combine. All of the characters are well drawn and for the most part sympathetic and I loved Tina as her younger self, especially the relationship she had with her family and her employers, the Flood family. It was so well portrayed that it makes what happens all the more heartbreaking and devastating.

For anyone who has read the previous novel, you will recognise several cross over characters which is an interesting way of moving on from the first book, but not in such a way that you need to have read that beforehand, or that this one acts as a spoiler for the first. This can be read as a complete stand alone. This book is suitable for all ages and would make a good book club choice.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review, and in this instance am delighted to be able to wholeheartedly recommend this book without any qualms.
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