Debut author Alicia Bessette gently blends the lives of two characters to create a sure-to-please recipe of tender insights. When Rose-Ellen's husband dies, she is devastated. Her husband loved cooking, so now she refuses to do so-until she hears about a baking contest sponsored by celebrity chef Polly Pinch. In another part of the duplex where Rose-Ellen lives, nine-year-old Ingrid Knox is convinced that Polly Pinch is the mother she's never met. When chance brings Ingrid and Rose-Ellen together, they form a friendship that changes their lives.
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"This is an excellent book. I really like the way the author showed the many phases of grief in this young woman's life. I think it is a very realistic portrayal of what happens when someone close to us dies suddenly and unexpectedly and leaves a huge hole in our lives. I also like the way the characters are able to finally move forward, a step at a time, towards a brighter future. The whole plot is excellently written. I hope to see more books by this author."
— Nancy (5 out of 5 stars)
“This story of a young widow edging warily back into the world is full of vivid characters and grace. Imbued with hope but blessedly lacking in sentimentality, it is a fresh, stirring take on the devastation of grief and the holiness of friendship.”
— Marisa de los Santos, New York Times bestselling author of Falling Together“Newcomer Alicia Bessette has written a love letter of a novel. There’s enough warmth here to fill your house on the coldest night. You’ll wish you knew these people, this world.”
— Justin Cronin, New York Times bestselling author of The Passage“In her wise and delightfully fresh debut, Alicia Bessette has composed a tender song that rises through the clouds of loss and grief until it bursts into a joyous celebration of the human heart. To read this story is to embrace life.”
— Beth Hoffman, New York Times bestselling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt“[A] nicely wrought debut…Charming, with a dash of romance.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I loved this book! I found young Zell to be utterly likable, and her New England town populated by people that I wish I knew. "
— Sarah, 2/16/2014" This book is a little sadder than most that I pick up, but it made me cry the good kind of cry--tearing up a little now and again without any full out crying. It's a tale of endings and new beginnings. I really would give it 3.5 stars. Not the greatest book ever, but I enjoyed it. "
— Sarah, 2/8/2014" A story of healing and hope "
— Dodi, 12/28/2013" This is more like a 2.5, a C+, if you will. Zell is a young widow of one year who is still grieving intensely. She joins forces with her motherless neighbor as they enter a baking contest hosted by the celebrity Ingrid insists is her real mother. I just couldn't feel much empathy for any of the characters. "
— Mary, 11/24/2013" This book is about a young woman dealing with the sudden loss of her husband and the process of learning to love life again. The relationship that she develops with a new neighbor, the little girl next door, goes a long way toward helping her heal and fills a major void in the child's life, as well. "
— Barbara, 11/15/2013" Great story, great characters. Some of the writing annoyed me (Real time. Real place.) as if wasn't necessary, but still a very good read. "
— Nancy, 10/22/2013" A cute story that pulls you in because the characters are very real (they're not even all gorgeous!). A light, enjoyable read despite the fact that it deals with some very rough topics. "
— Michele, 5/21/2013" Good book. A bit predictable but a nice read. "
— Amanda, 3/26/2013" Cute book. Nothing too exciting. I wasn't fond of the ending, I just thought there would be more to it. Left some things undone in my mind. Glad I read it and will certainly read something else from this author. "
— Lisa, 1/22/2013" An aching look at living on the "what if" side of life. I found myself wishing I could help and loving all of the characters. Sometimes sad, but eventually an affirmation of life. "
— Linda, 12/25/2012" Ehh - I did appreciate the Central MA references. Greendale Mall anyone? "
— Nicole, 10/9/2012" The story itself was interesting, the writing was decent (but not stellar). It elicited several emotional responses from me, so judging solely on that basis, I guess I liked it quite a bit. Better than your average chick lit ;) "
— Larissa, 2/22/2012" this was a really nice story about grief and friendship. easy read. "
— Tk0339, 10/14/2011" A lovely book. Well written with characters I wish I could know in real life. "
— Rosemary, 4/24/2011" A good read. She did a really good job of portraying the characters emotions. It was interesting watching her heal and overcome what she was going through. It was such a reassuring story and full of hope. I really enjoyed it! "
— Valerie, 4/17/2011" This was a really cute book. Filled with both tragedy and love; a real easy read. "
— Jean, 3/31/2011" This was an enjoyable story and quick read. I'd say the author needs to cut down on how much personality she gives her characters. Too many nicknames, sayings, talking like a pirate, etc. "
— Shelly, 3/15/2011" A story of healing and hope "
— Dodi, 1/13/2011Alicia Bessette is the author of Simply from Scratch. A pianist and freelance writer, she and her husband, novelist Matthew Quick, live near Philadelphia.
Andrew Garman is a television, film, and voice actor. His acting credits include the film Julie & Julia and appearances the television series Law & Order, Mercy, and Conviction. Among his audiobook narrations are Arcadia by Lauren Groff, Simply from Scratch by Alicia Bessette, and Love Is a Canoe by Ben Schrank, among others.
Jodi Dick is an audiobook narrator whose readings include Simply from Scratch by Alicia Bessette and Call It What You Want by Keith Lee Morris.