Eaden's Grocery
Chain sponsors a contest looking for a new Mrs. Eaden since the
original Mrs. Eaden recently died. Kathleen Eaden, the wife of
George, the first owner, was photogenic, a wonderful baker, author of
a cookbook, and an asset to Eaden's Grocery Chain. The new Mrs. Eaden
will have a larger than life image to live up to. Five contestants
are eager to try: Jennifer, the wife of a dentist faces an empty
nest; Vicki, a stay at home mother misses teaching; Karen, a bored
housewife looks for a challenge; Claire, a single mother wants a
better future for her daughter; and Mike, a widower raising two
children wants some recognition for his role.
Each chapter is
devoted to a participant, including chapters about the original Mrs.
Eaden. Each woman uses baking not only to feed her family but to
release tension and find an outlet from her problems. The stories are
the kind most women can relate to and perhaps find some clues to how
to deal with a problem of their own. The contestants all believe that
the first Mrs. Eaden was perfect. They don't see how they can live up
to her image. However, as Kathleen's story progresses it's clear that
her life was far from ideal.
I enjoyed the scenes
at the baking competition. Although this isn't a recipe book, it
contains hints about making bread, cakes, biscuits and puddings.
Since the novel takes place in the UK some of the measurements are
unusual, as are the dishes, but there a plenty of hints on how to
work dough and create fillings that are helpful.
If you enjoy baking,
this is a delightful book, but it's much more. It's an exploration of
the problems that beset women and how they can find an outlet in
baking. As Kathleen points out, baking is about love.
I reviewed this book
for the Amazon Vine Program.
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