FROM AMAZON: The sequel to Judith Ryan Hendricks' absorbing debut novel, Bread Alone

Having found her calling, Wynter Morrison is blissful about her new career in Seattle as a baker -- cherishing the long days spent making bread and the comforting rhythms of the Queen Street Bakery. Still, she struggles with the legacy of her failed marriage and with her new boyfriend Mac's reluctance to share his mysterious past. When Mac abruptly leaves Seattle, Wyn again feels abandoned and betrayed, at least until intimate letters arrive in which Mac at last reveals his deepest secrets. But the more she learns about her absent lover, the more Wyn discovers about herself -- and when tragedy threatens, she will have to decide if there is a place for Mac in this new life she has made.

Wyn is passionate about breadmaking, and is co-owner of a small, specialist bread shop. She is in a fairly new relationship with the evasive Mac, a struggling writer. She's still coming to terms with her recent divorce, and not getting anywhere with her attempt at financial settlement, and she's not entirely comfortable with her new stepfather, either.

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, at which point I realised that the names and situations felt oddly familiar. My only excuse is that it's eight years since I read 'Bread Alone', for which - it turns out - this is a sequel.

I found the story a bit slow-moving at first, which doesn't sit too well with the present-tense narration, but gradually I found that I was more and more interested in what was going on. I loved the tetchy teenage Tyler, the 'apprentice' of the title, and I became rather fond of Mac too, who finds it very hard to get close to anyone and struggles with Wyn's emotional side.

All in all, I liked this book very much. It would probably have been better still if I had read 'Bread Alone' a little more recently, but it stands alone well. ( )

This is a wonderful novel about vulnerability, discovery, forgiveness, fortitude, ... all that and a loaf of bread! I really liked the main characters, except for the bratty younger assistant, the 'apprentice,' who isn't really the focus of the book. Great love story, felt so believable that I was turning back page after page that felt like my own thoughts... also, great sense of humor. Definitely recommended for enjoyment and comfort. ( )

This is a wonderful novel about vulnerability, discovery, forgiveness, fortitude, ... all that and a loaf of bread! I really liked the main characters, except for the bratty younger assistant, the 'apprentice,' who isn't really the focus of the book. Great love story, felt so believable that I was turning back page after page that felt like my own thoughts... also, great sense of humor. Definitely recommended for enjoyment and comfort. ( )

rabck from MyssCyn; excellent sequel, although the author gives enough background that this book stands alone. The story continues with Wyn, now a part owner of the bakery. Mac up and moves to Canada. Cises occur with members of the staff. In the end, Mac returns, but the bakery lease can't be renewed. And the ending is openended, maybe for another book. ( )