This is my first novel from this author, and I’m thinking it won’t be the last. I was quickly drawn into it, and found the storyline both interesting and well-written. On the face of it, the story is all about a competition to find a competent baker to guide baked goods selection and advertising by a high-quality supermarket chain. However, it is much more than that. There is an in-depth look at the lives of the 5 competitors and, indeed Kathleen Eaden, widow of the shop’s original owner, and the lady who, in the 1960s, wrote the famous baking book on which the search is based. Each of the 4 ladies and 1 man who have been selected for the final stage of the competition has their own reason for entering and their own hopes for what winning might mean for their lives. During the course of the lengthy selection process, however, each makes interesting discoveries about themselves, facilitating plans for the future. Many passages from Kathleen Eaden’s book are included in the text, including mouthwatering descriptions of delicious dishes and tips for the home baker. I have very much enjoyed this book, and can highly recommend it; it is guaranteed to leave the reader with a hunger for some tasty food and a desire to set to in the kitchen.