Description:

*Vanity Fare* is a charming tale of food, family, literature, and romance in which a 40-year-old newly single Brooklyn mother embarks on a culinary writing career and finds herself at the center of a deliciously tempting love triangle. Molly Hagan—“a heroine who’s wittier than Ellen DeGeneres on speed” (*New York Times *bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries) is overwhelmed. Her cheating husband left her for a younger blonde, her six-year-old son is questioning her authority, and she’s starting a job as a copywriter for a local Brooklyn bakery. She doesn’t need the complications of a new love. But the bakery’s sexy British pastry chef is determined to win her heart. And there is his intimidating and oh so irresistible business partner...who happens to have a secret that might prevent Molly from getting her own Happily Ever After. Funny and sweet, Megan Caldwell’s charming romantic novel includes five delicious recipes developed with the pastry chef from Union Square Café. ** ### From Booklist Literature and luscious baked goods make for a perfect pair in this indulgent debut romance. Molly, mom to six-year-old Aidan, is soon to be divorced and in need of steady income to support their Brooklyn lifestyle. An old friend offers her a freelance project writing the marketing materials for a new bakery headed by British playboy pastry chef Simon. Building on the bakery’s proximity to the New York Public Library’s main branch, Molly comes up with a name, Vanity Fare, and product descriptions that tie into great works of literature. These clever descriptions, like Tart of Darkness, are peppered throughout, and the epilogue includes select recipes. But the real substance of this novel is Molly’s attempt at finding love again, first through an ill-fated dalliance with Simon, then with a slow-building romance with Simon’s broody but kind and handsome business partner, Nick. Caldwell’s novel is as sweet and enjoyable as its subject matter. --Aleksandra Walker ### Review “...a charming winter read...” (Romantic Times BOOKclub) “Caldwell’s light intrigues and bevy of supporting characters cast an old-fashioned spell on her modern Brooklyn romance.” (Kirkus Reviews) “...readers will identify with [Molly’s] attempts to rise from the ashes.” (Publishers Weekly) “It has everything I could ask for in a book, a brilliant plot, brilliant characters, witty writing (I LOVE witty writing), it’s snarky, it’s just plain fantastic. Do pick up Vanity Fare, it will surprise you — in the best way possible.” (Chick Lit Reviews)