What do readers think of The Art of Baking Blind by Sarah Vaughan? Write your own review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which dealt with friendships and contemporary issues having to do with many aspects of families, letting go of the past, and embracing the future all within the backdrop of a baking competition. Is it great literature? Obviously not, but I loved reading it, particularly with the many references to those things distinctly British. It took me a while to figure out the meaning of the title but I think it addresses one of the themes, things are not always what they seem. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Vaughan has created five very likeable characters in the contestants for the “Next Mrs. Eaden, ‘ although Mike seems like the required male, an afterthought serving only as a foil for Claire’s Jay. Kathleen Eadon, who appears in back flashes, is the glue that serves to highlight each of the other character’s flaws and perfections. The book is lengthy (over 400 pages) but is a “quick” read. You will want to know the conclusion of the contest, and the solutions to each of the contestant’s (and Kathleen’s) dilemmas.
I hope in the finished book there is a glossary of the British cookery terms – and pictures of the wonderful treats the bakers create. The descriptions of the baking projects are scrumptious and will send you to the kitchen -- or hustling off to the grocery. Book groups will find a “baker’s dozen” of topics for discussion – marriage, motherhood, cookery skills, self worth, bulimia, miscarriage, contests and many more.

I loved this book. It took me a few pages to get into it, but soon I was involved in the lives of the participants in the contest, and really couldn't decide who I wanted to win. Not all the characters are so likeable, but as in real life, there are reasons revealed for their actions, bit by bit. I think the back stories are those shared by many of us, and the story reveals that many people have stories we don't or can't know about, but those influence their lives so much. I think it's the same with all of us, there are things we might not even be able to articulate that make us who we are, even if we don't like it. A great book to sink into with a quilt and a cup of tea!!

A delicious book that stirs the senses about 5 amateur bakers who learn things are not always what they seem and no one has a perfect life.

I loved this book so much. The five contestants of the contest to become the new Mrs. Eaden have bits of their stories that are recognizable in the lives of most. This felt like in some ways a behind the scenes view of a reality show, and how they each change as they go through it as well. I loved the bits about Kathleen, and hope that the author has plans to go back to her at some point, and give us some of these mouth watering recipes.
I think book clubs will enjoy this, but it has a little bit of something for everyone.

The Art of Baking Blind is a very pleasant read that makes you want to put the book down every so often and go to the kitchen, pull out the recipe book and start baking. The author uses the most seductive words when describing the meals or treats such as a" savoury tart, and " a home-made biscuit is a thing of beauty. light and ephemeral, sweet and buttery." ( a word of caution- some of her terms are very British and hard for Americans to figure out such as a Battenburg or muscovado sugar etc.) Never fear though as all the important points are very understandable.
This is a story of a contest to search for the new Mrs. Eden who wrote a very popular cook book several years ago. Six people are the finalists, 5 women and 1 male. Each one is a talented baker and as we read on we find out about their troubles and how they attempt to cope with life. I liked the way the author began each chapter with a little saying about what would be the item that would be required to be made that day and how each contestant prepared at home.There can be only one winner in the contest but you as the reader find out that there are other ways to be considered a winner in life.
It's an easy read, once you get the characters straight in your mind. ( I had to make a list.) It would be appropriate for book groups to discuss and perhaps bake a few things to bring to the discussion-yum!

This is a novel about a contest to find the "new" Mrs Eaden. Kathleen Eaden is a fictional character and the face of Eaden's, a high end grocery chain. She was the author of a baking cook book. The novel follows the life stories of the five contestants competing to win the title. Their stories are told alongside excerpts from Kathleen's writing. The novel demonstrates that how people's lives look on the surface can be very different than what is really going on. I enjoyed the combination of baking stories and the events of the contestants' lives. Would have liked to see a few recipes too!

I chose to review this book because I enjoy reading books about food--cookbooks, chef's confessions, Martha Stewart, Paula Deen, Ina Garten, Anthony Bourdain, and the like. This isn't like that. It's fiction, but it filled me with memories of my mother who was British, and a baker just like the characters in this good book. Enjoy!