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Market Street
From Anita Hughes, author of Monarch Beach, comes Market Street, a delicious story of a department store heiress, her messy marriage, and her passion for food
Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton's, San Francisco's most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan, a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis's Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance.
Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie's mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton's new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco's hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton's fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her…
Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton's, San Francisco's most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan, a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis's Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance.
Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie's mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton's new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco's hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton's fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her…
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2013
15 people are currently reading
2545 people want to read
About the author
Anita Hughes
26 books1,027 followersAnita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program. She is the author of MONARCH BEACH, MARKET STREET, LAKE COMO, FRENCH COAST, ROME IN LOVE, ISLAND IN THE SEA, SANTORINI SUNSETS, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA, EMERALD COAST, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON and CALIFORNIA SUMMER, and CHRISTMAS IN VERMONT published by St. Martin's Press. ROME IN LOVE is coming to the HALLMARK channel in July, 2019!
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March 19, 2024Did a lot of skimming only reading the parts relevant to the infidelity. Her husband an aging professor has been a narcissistic pig sleeping w students, lying when confronted . Until the students came to the wife apologizing as they were unaware he was married.
Get this He's an ethics professor!😂😆
Get this He's an ethics professor!😂😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2013
Great lively beach read. Escape into a world of food, high end fashion, and the beautiful city of San Francisco.
March 25, 2013
**WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**
Still reeling with joy after reading “Monarch Beach” by Anita Hughes, her debut novel, I was asked to read and review “Market Street.” As a huge fan of the author I accepted the offer and was given an early NetGalley copy.
“Market Street” began as an easy read, with action starting right away. I wanted to know if Cassie would take the job at the emporium, but found myself more curious if she would take her cheating husband. The way he cheated, their relationship and the way he seemed to act as is he hadn’t done anything wrong, piqued my interest. While there was a bit of name and brand dropping, I understood it because that’s what defined the characters were and what I expected from the book. Up until the end of the first quarter, my attention was held.
I liked how Cassie’s friend, Alexis, allow her to stay with her, but it seemed like she overstayed her welcome, and not just because Alexis’s husband was away on business, (and I often wondered if he was cheating like Aidan). Cassie is a thirty-two year old woman, but staying with her friend for as long as she did kind of threw me off. I also didn’t understand their dialogue. One would say something, then the other would say something completely random, but maybe that was the way the characters have always talked with each other. In the end, I felt that Alexis took over the part of the main character. I also found it odd that she’s the one who took it upon herself to shut the chapter on Cassie and Aidan’s marriage by sending him a box of lingerie.
I tried to like Cassie’s character — I really did, but there were times that I was so over her. She seemed to run away from her issues, especially her husband’s infidelity and not face the issues. I wanted her to make up her mind, was she in the marriage or was she out of it? At times I felt sorry for Aidan (the cheater) because Cassie seemed to care too much about her emporium (which I’m glad she took a stand and did for herself) and what her mother thinks to work on and fight for her marriage. Often, Cassie was daydreaming about wanting to be watching a movie or wrapped up in Aidan’s arms in their bed, which annoyed me because if she really wanted to, she could. As for Aidan, I didn’t like him. He was very arrogant, but maybe he was supposed to be that way.
At the end I though, I liked how Cassie appeared to be more grown-up and adjusts her priorities, making her relationship with James at the top of the list. I just wonder why she didn’t do this with her marriage, and it would have been nice to for the reader to “see” some kind of closure between Cassie and Aidan.
While I anticipated “Market Street” to be another brilliant read by Anita Hughes, I thought it was only okay. I found there to be a little too much name dropping of designers that I just didn’t care about, which seemed like page fillers. And while I have stayed at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach (which is mentioned) and understand high-class society, I didn’t care about what Cassie, Alexis, Aidan or James wore. What interested me more was the story, not what they were modeling.
I recommend “Market Street” to anyone who is into fashion or a fan of Anita Hughes because she’s a brilliant writer who creates memorable and delightful stories, but this book just wasn’t on that resonated with me.
I give this book 3 stars!
Still reeling with joy after reading “Monarch Beach” by Anita Hughes, her debut novel, I was asked to read and review “Market Street.” As a huge fan of the author I accepted the offer and was given an early NetGalley copy.
“Market Street” began as an easy read, with action starting right away. I wanted to know if Cassie would take the job at the emporium, but found myself more curious if she would take her cheating husband. The way he cheated, their relationship and the way he seemed to act as is he hadn’t done anything wrong, piqued my interest. While there was a bit of name and brand dropping, I understood it because that’s what defined the characters were and what I expected from the book. Up until the end of the first quarter, my attention was held.
I liked how Cassie’s friend, Alexis, allow her to stay with her, but it seemed like she overstayed her welcome, and not just because Alexis’s husband was away on business, (and I often wondered if he was cheating like Aidan). Cassie is a thirty-two year old woman, but staying with her friend for as long as she did kind of threw me off. I also didn’t understand their dialogue. One would say something, then the other would say something completely random, but maybe that was the way the characters have always talked with each other. In the end, I felt that Alexis took over the part of the main character. I also found it odd that she’s the one who took it upon herself to shut the chapter on Cassie and Aidan’s marriage by sending him a box of lingerie.
I tried to like Cassie’s character — I really did, but there were times that I was so over her. She seemed to run away from her issues, especially her husband’s infidelity and not face the issues. I wanted her to make up her mind, was she in the marriage or was she out of it? At times I felt sorry for Aidan (the cheater) because Cassie seemed to care too much about her emporium (which I’m glad she took a stand and did for herself) and what her mother thinks to work on and fight for her marriage. Often, Cassie was daydreaming about wanting to be watching a movie or wrapped up in Aidan’s arms in their bed, which annoyed me because if she really wanted to, she could. As for Aidan, I didn’t like him. He was very arrogant, but maybe he was supposed to be that way.
At the end I though, I liked how Cassie appeared to be more grown-up and adjusts her priorities, making her relationship with James at the top of the list. I just wonder why she didn’t do this with her marriage, and it would have been nice to for the reader to “see” some kind of closure between Cassie and Aidan.
While I anticipated “Market Street” to be another brilliant read by Anita Hughes, I thought it was only okay. I found there to be a little too much name dropping of designers that I just didn’t care about, which seemed like page fillers. And while I have stayed at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach (which is mentioned) and understand high-class society, I didn’t care about what Cassie, Alexis, Aidan or James wore. What interested me more was the story, not what they were modeling.
I recommend “Market Street” to anyone who is into fashion or a fan of Anita Hughes because she’s a brilliant writer who creates memorable and delightful stories, but this book just wasn’t on that resonated with me.
I give this book 3 stars!
November 13, 2012
This book sounds like a fun read - just what I need for a winter day!
June 28, 2013
Anita did a remarkable job writing Market Street this book will appeal to a wide variety of ages Mid 20’s - 40+. For me she did a great balancing act with the chick Lit and Women’s Fiction.
I felt that we had two main characters in this book Cassie and Alexis
both in their early 30’s and both realizing they need to make some changes in their lives.
Cassie Blake Fenton is the heiress to Fentons a SF high end department store. She is not your typical department store heiress. She is more comfortable in jeans and mud boots working in her vegetable garden or at Alice Waters edible schoolyard.
Alexis is a very happily married rich housewife who is getting a little bored decorating her mansion.
Cassie lives in Berkeley and has been married for ten years to Aidan, an ethics professor at UC Berkeley. she finds out Aidan allowed himself (cough cough) to be seduced by one of his 20 something student. She moves in with her childhood friend Alexis while Alexis husband is out of town on business. The only things I have to say about Aidan is he seems like a very passive aggressive person, and I really don’t think this was the first time he was seduced by a student.
The fun begins when Cassie’s mother wants her to do a Gourmet Food Emporium in the basement of Fentons. Reading about setting up the Food Emporium was my favorite part. Seeing what Cassie and James the architect envisioned come together with all the different cheeses, heirloom tomatoes breads, produce was great. going to talk to the growers and farmers finding a local artist to do the art for the Food Emporium was a nice touch.
At the same time the store manager hurts his back and Cassie needs to find someone to help fast, she picks someone her mother is not going to be happy with. I kind of shook my head on this part of the book I have done retail for years, I wish things could work that smoothly in real life.
This is fiction and not non-fiction so it made for a real good laugh and a couple of I wishes.
Anita almost lost me at the end of the book,
Alexa's is well on her way to finding out a lot about herself she is asserting herself with the people she needs to. I liked the end of her story. I didn't see Cassie the gardener wanting to be stuck down in the basement of Fentons. Maybe if it was a natural food co-op, and she could wear jeans, and a t-shirt find a way to get her hands in the dirt, but this is more gourmet and the clientele would be different.
She kind of fixed the issues that I was having with the ending, of Cassie's story, but I feel that it is going to take Cassie a little longer to find herself. I will be reading Anita's other books.
Quote that made me laugh
Derek has done a divine job for thirty years, but he’s as dated as an avocado refrigerator
http://dianne1964.blogspot.com/2013/0...
I felt that we had two main characters in this book Cassie and Alexis
both in their early 30’s and both realizing they need to make some changes in their lives.
Cassie Blake Fenton is the heiress to Fentons a SF high end department store. She is not your typical department store heiress. She is more comfortable in jeans and mud boots working in her vegetable garden or at Alice Waters edible schoolyard.
Alexis is a very happily married rich housewife who is getting a little bored decorating her mansion.
Cassie lives in Berkeley and has been married for ten years to Aidan, an ethics professor at UC Berkeley. she finds out Aidan allowed himself (cough cough) to be seduced by one of his 20 something student. She moves in with her childhood friend Alexis while Alexis husband is out of town on business. The only things I have to say about Aidan is he seems like a very passive aggressive person, and I really don’t think this was the first time he was seduced by a student.
The fun begins when Cassie’s mother wants her to do a Gourmet Food Emporium in the basement of Fentons. Reading about setting up the Food Emporium was my favorite part. Seeing what Cassie and James the architect envisioned come together with all the different cheeses, heirloom tomatoes breads, produce was great. going to talk to the growers and farmers finding a local artist to do the art for the Food Emporium was a nice touch.
At the same time the store manager hurts his back and Cassie needs to find someone to help fast, she picks someone her mother is not going to be happy with. I kind of shook my head on this part of the book I have done retail for years, I wish things could work that smoothly in real life.
This is fiction and not non-fiction so it made for a real good laugh and a couple of I wishes.
Anita almost lost me at the end of the book,
Alexa's is well on her way to finding out a lot about herself she is asserting herself with the people she needs to. I liked the end of her story. I didn't see Cassie the gardener wanting to be stuck down in the basement of Fentons. Maybe if it was a natural food co-op, and she could wear jeans, and a t-shirt find a way to get her hands in the dirt, but this is more gourmet and the clientele would be different.
She kind of fixed the issues that I was having with the ending, of Cassie's story, but I feel that it is going to take Cassie a little longer to find herself. I will be reading Anita's other books.
Quote that made me laugh
Derek has done a divine job for thirty years, but he’s as dated as an avocado refrigerator
http://dianne1964.blogspot.com/2013/0...
March 27, 2013
I received a copy of Market Street by Anita Hughes in exchange for an honest review. Whew, what a book! Cassie Blake is our leading lady, an heiress to San Francisco's most exclusive department store and wife to UC Berkeley professor Aidan. She has a wonderful lifetime friend in Alexis, is madly in love with her husband, and overall feels pretty charmed in her life. When she finds out Aidan slept with one of his students her charmed existence shatters, and she runs to the safety of Alexis’s mansion to help her figure out if she can forgive Aidan and keep her marriage intact. While separated, she takes on a new project at the department store to keep her busy and that visits her first love – food. With the addition of a handsome architect at the store and consistently being away from her husband, Cassie knows she has some big decisions to make regarding her future.
Market Street is incredibly difficult to put down. I understood that Cassie loves Aidan and how tore up she is over his mistake, and I really wondered throughout the story how they would end up. I know you should cheer for the husband and wife to be together, but I just thought Aidan was slimy and overbearing from the get-go. I hate saying that I was pulling for architect James to come away the victor, but Cassie is a strong woman and knows what she wants, so she kept my interest piqued.
Since Cassie and her friend Alexis come from a world of wealth, Market Street is filled with fabulous designer clothes, posh parties, and rubbing elbows with San Fran’s elite. And I loved every minute of it! Alexis stole my heart with how deeply she cared for her friend, and her own unique drive and lifestyle that she brought to the pages. I really loved everything about the book, from the friendship dynamic, love story, and emotional decisions, this was a 5 star read for me!
Market Street is incredibly difficult to put down. I understood that Cassie loves Aidan and how tore up she is over his mistake, and I really wondered throughout the story how they would end up. I know you should cheer for the husband and wife to be together, but I just thought Aidan was slimy and overbearing from the get-go. I hate saying that I was pulling for architect James to come away the victor, but Cassie is a strong woman and knows what she wants, so she kept my interest piqued.
Since Cassie and her friend Alexis come from a world of wealth, Market Street is filled with fabulous designer clothes, posh parties, and rubbing elbows with San Fran’s elite. And I loved every minute of it! Alexis stole my heart with how deeply she cared for her friend, and her own unique drive and lifestyle that she brought to the pages. I really loved everything about the book, from the friendship dynamic, love story, and emotional decisions, this was a 5 star read for me!
April 28, 2013
Anita Hughes has a delicious treat in her next novel Market Street. She weaves a tale of true desires and betrayal.
Synopsis:
Cassie is the heiress of the famous department store in San Francisco Fentons. Her husband Aidan is a professor at UC-Berkley in the Economics department. One day while in Fenton’s she makes a discovery about her husband. An event that sends her to her best friend Alexis’s home to recover. There Cassie is asked to confront her future with her husband? Career? And life? How will her experiences help her choose her path?
My Thoughts:
The second novel is even better than the first. Ms. Hughes novel reminds me of the author Judith Krantz and her style of writing. The plot is a journey for the main character Cassie. I loved the question that was asked by different characters in the novel. “What is your passion?” What do you like to do? Is this not a question that we all ask and wonder what the answer is for us?
The main character has a wealthy background. Does it make the story more interesting? For me it gives me a place and a character that is a little out of my norm. Also a way to dream of what might be one day.
Only thing I didn’t love is this is the second novel where divorce has become part of theme of the story. It was not the main focus. I definitely look forward to future novels by this author.
Synopsis:
Cassie is the heiress of the famous department store in San Francisco Fentons. Her husband Aidan is a professor at UC-Berkley in the Economics department. One day while in Fenton’s she makes a discovery about her husband. An event that sends her to her best friend Alexis’s home to recover. There Cassie is asked to confront her future with her husband? Career? And life? How will her experiences help her choose her path?
My Thoughts:
The second novel is even better than the first. Ms. Hughes novel reminds me of the author Judith Krantz and her style of writing. The plot is a journey for the main character Cassie. I loved the question that was asked by different characters in the novel. “What is your passion?” What do you like to do? Is this not a question that we all ask and wonder what the answer is for us?
The main character has a wealthy background. Does it make the story more interesting? For me it gives me a place and a character that is a little out of my norm. Also a way to dream of what might be one day.
Only thing I didn’t love is this is the second novel where divorce has become part of theme of the story. It was not the main focus. I definitely look forward to future novels by this author.
November 16, 2012
Overall, Market Street was a pretty enjoyable book and an easy read. It had a good story line, and I liked getting to know the characters... Although, at a couple different points in the book, I got a little aggravated with the choices and actions of the main character, Cassie, and I just wanted to shake her and say, "WAKE UP!!" This is the first time I've read anything by Anita Hughes, and I would definitely be open to reading more of her books in the future.
*I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
*I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
February 9, 2013
Anita Hughes' Market Street is truly a sweet breath of fresh air for those who are just looking for something to read that is not complicated, but is pretty good, and an easy read.
The characters are charming and personable and very real - which in fiction novels that is not always the case. There is humor, sadness and love.
Cassie Blake is at the center of the novel as the daughter who has just found out her husband has been cheating on her, and then her best friend, Alexis who is rich and offers her friend help. Cassie's mom wants Cassie to join the family business. There is food, fashion and follies.
The characters are charming and personable and very real - which in fiction novels that is not always the case. There is humor, sadness and love.
Cassie Blake is at the center of the novel as the daughter who has just found out her husband has been cheating on her, and then her best friend, Alexis who is rich and offers her friend help. Cassie's mom wants Cassie to join the family business. There is food, fashion and follies.
February 24, 2013
A light and refreshing read from Anita Hughes. Ms. Hughes made me want to pack my bags and head over to the west coast with her descriptions of the area and, most importantly, the food. The characters were witty, yet sensible and the story line wasn't as eccentric as one would expect given the main character is a retail hereiss.
This was a goodreads giveaway win for me and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
This was a goodreads giveaway win for me and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
July 19, 2013
Market Street is just as bland as its title suggests. Yes, the descriptions of food and fashion littered throughout the book do a decent job bringing dimension to the novel, but that's about the best this book has to offer. The rest- predictable story line, mediocre writing, and, worst of all, an impossibly frustrating main character- are likely to leave you as unimpressed as one of Hughes' arrogant department-store socialites.
June 16, 2013
Market Street is the second novel by Anita Hughes. I enjoyed her debut novel Monarch Beach tremendously and was anxious to see if her 2nd novel would be as good as her first. I was so pleased to see that it was even better! Hughes has a way of using description to feed the imagination and put you right there with the characters. The way she describes Fenton’s Department Store, I could not only picture everything, but that it brought back memories from my childhood , and back to school shopping with my mom at the downtown Indianapolis LS Ayres store, which sadly no longer exists. Hughes does an exceptional job of keeping her characters believable and likeable. Even though Cassie, the main character, has family money, she strives to live a very simple life with her professor husband. When her world starts to fall apart she moves in with her best friend, Alexis, who seems to have the best of everything money can buy, but you can sense her unhappiness immediately. Market Street takes you on a journey with the characters as they learn about themselves and what does make them happy and that they can overcome disappointments and challenges in their life. I enjoyed this book and Anita Hughes is now on my auto-buy author list. Can’t wait for her next book Lake Como, it will be out very soon!
April 10, 2013
A story about Cassie, the heiress to Fenton's department store, a girl who has the perfect life until she finds out that her husband is having an affair. Staying at her best friend's, Alexis', mansion allows her to get back on her feet and figure out what she wants to do. She isn't sure if she should give her husband, Aidan, another chance but she begins to develop feelings for James, the architect that is designing Fenton's emporium.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a good book that was hard to put down and it quickly absorbed my full attention. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys chick lit books and fashion, what a great combination! The author did a great job with character development. I really enjoyed Cassie who goes from being the wife of a man that doesn't want her to work and expects her to stay home and take care of his daughter, to a girl who finds her own way and does what she wants to do, for once! Alexis is a great character, the supportive best friend who takes Cassie under her wing during this difficult time in her life, and motivates her to get back into the world and to stop sulking and hiding. The author also did a wonderful job with detail. As I was reading the book, I felt like I was right there in Fenton's, and wanting to pick up my very own "Princess" bag.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a good book that was hard to put down and it quickly absorbed my full attention. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys chick lit books and fashion, what a great combination! The author did a great job with character development. I really enjoyed Cassie who goes from being the wife of a man that doesn't want her to work and expects her to stay home and take care of his daughter, to a girl who finds her own way and does what she wants to do, for once! Alexis is a great character, the supportive best friend who takes Cassie under her wing during this difficult time in her life, and motivates her to get back into the world and to stop sulking and hiding. The author also did a wonderful job with detail. As I was reading the book, I felt like I was right there in Fenton's, and wanting to pick up my very own "Princess" bag.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
March 14, 2013
I spent the entire book wondering if it was intentionally a satire on trophy wives and high society name-dropping, or if the author was actually unaware of how condescending she sounded. I was annoyed by the fact that Cassie and Alexis are completely ignorant of how useless their husbands force them to be, only until they realize the value of good, honest work. Not to mention the blatant lack of narrative comment on Aidan's controlling, misogynistic tendencies. Now, I could picture a successful novel that poked fun at this upper class ignorance, but Market Street really didn't hit that mark.
It was like a bad imitation of Gossip Girl, without the character development to make me like the main players. I grew tired of the constant lists of every designer item worn by the main characters and the sex that read like it was written by a virginal 17-year-old boy (no finesse, no tension). On the other hand, I could see this story as a screenplay, a chick flick that ranks 10th at the box office. It was certainly written like one, but the choice to make it a novel was either silly or a clever, new-fangled marketing ploy to get it on the silver screen.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
It was like a bad imitation of Gossip Girl, without the character development to make me like the main players. I grew tired of the constant lists of every designer item worn by the main characters and the sex that read like it was written by a virginal 17-year-old boy (no finesse, no tension). On the other hand, I could see this story as a screenplay, a chick flick that ranks 10th at the box office. It was certainly written like one, but the choice to make it a novel was either silly or a clever, new-fangled marketing ploy to get it on the silver screen.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
April 6, 2013
A number of reviews mention that Market Street was hard to put down. No, not hard: impossible.
Market Street has all the ingredients of page-turning escapism: likeable characters—except for the sexy, dirtbag husband, a glimpse into high society life in San Francisco, and steamy sex. Add in mouth-watering descriptions of gourmet food and more designer fashion than a girl can dream of…and why would you put this book down to return to real life?
The theme of the novel drew me in straight away: self-discovery in the midst of betrayal and the importance of female friendships. The writing is warm and cozy, and the female characters are wonderful. My favorite part of the novel was the friendship between the heroine and her BFF. I loved that Alexis opened her home—and her wardrobe—to Cassie without once judging her or dishing out harsh marriage advice. Everyone needs a friend like Alexis.
If you’re looking for the perfect weekend read, this is it: A+ escapism.
Market Street has all the ingredients of page-turning escapism: likeable characters—except for the sexy, dirtbag husband, a glimpse into high society life in San Francisco, and steamy sex. Add in mouth-watering descriptions of gourmet food and more designer fashion than a girl can dream of…and why would you put this book down to return to real life?
The theme of the novel drew me in straight away: self-discovery in the midst of betrayal and the importance of female friendships. The writing is warm and cozy, and the female characters are wonderful. My favorite part of the novel was the friendship between the heroine and her BFF. I loved that Alexis opened her home—and her wardrobe—to Cassie without once judging her or dishing out harsh marriage advice. Everyone needs a friend like Alexis.
If you’re looking for the perfect weekend read, this is it: A+ escapism.
May 19, 2013
MARKET STREET has all the ingredients of page-turning escapism: likeable characters--except for the dirtbag husband, a glimpse of high society life in San Francisco, and steamy sex. Add in mouth-watering descriptions of gourmet food and more designer fashion than a girl can dream of...and why would you put this book down to return to real life?
The themes of the novel drew me in straight away: self-discovery in the midst of betrayal and the importance of female friendships. The writing is warm and cozy, and the female characters are wonderful. My favorite part of the novel was the friendship between the heroine and her BFF. I loved that Alexis opened her home--and her wardrobe--to Cassie without once judging her or dishing out harsh marriage advice. Everyone needs a friend like Alexis.
If you're looking for the perfect weekend read, this is it.
The themes of the novel drew me in straight away: self-discovery in the midst of betrayal and the importance of female friendships. The writing is warm and cozy, and the female characters are wonderful. My favorite part of the novel was the friendship between the heroine and her BFF. I loved that Alexis opened her home--and her wardrobe--to Cassie without once judging her or dishing out harsh marriage advice. Everyone needs a friend like Alexis.
If you're looking for the perfect weekend read, this is it.
March 19, 2013
It was simply what I like to call Literal Eye Candy, in the sense that as I was reading it, I could envision so many delights -- Anita writes about food and fashion in a way that makes you want to spend a day in San Francisco, precisely in her author-created department store Fenton's.
I loved the story between Cassie and Adrian, and then the slow introduction of James. I loved the details of Cassie's mother, and all of the intricacies of the foods and the delights of the store. Cassie's best friend Alexis was so much fun to get to know too!
Anita Hughes writes so rich and colorful - you can just taste the pages!
To read a Q&A with her, you can go to my blog at http://www.manicmommy.blogspot.com
I loved the story between Cassie and Adrian, and then the slow introduction of James. I loved the details of Cassie's mother, and all of the intricacies of the foods and the delights of the store. Cassie's best friend Alexis was so much fun to get to know too!
Anita Hughes writes so rich and colorful - you can just taste the pages!
To read a Q&A with her, you can go to my blog at http://www.manicmommy.blogspot.com
July 7, 2013
This story of a wife wronged by her so-called morally upstanding ethics professor husband launches a story that will surprise you with its ingenuity and delightful plot twists. Don't be fooled by the glitter, though. At the heart of Hughes' story set in super rich San Francisco are two, strong enterprising women with a supporting third (the protagonist Cassie's mother). Cassie and her unstoppable best friend, Alexis, take risks and follow their entrepreneurial spirits. They expect the men in their lives to be true. And, big money and big stakes don't blind them to what matters most in life: love, friendship, honesty, and in work: pursuing your passion. A fast and highly satisfying read!
May 21, 2013
Book number 2 is as good, if not better than debut novel, Monarch Beach. Anita has a way of drawing you in to the story plot as she tells the story of Cassie and Aiden. Love her best friend, Alexis, she's a hoot!
June 23, 2013
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It had quite a bit of my favorites, big family owned department store, food emporium, organic farming/cooking, City of San Francisco, family, friendships, adultery, and new loves. Excellent read.
April 27, 2013
A five star rating for "Market Street" by Anita Hughes!! A must read!
April 26, 2013
so could not relate to the pretentiousness of these women's lives. shallow and predictable.
February 5, 2024
3.5/5 stars. Quick, easy read. Loved reading all the familiar spots in SF. Loved the main character and her best friend. Really enjoyed all the shopping, designer label and foodie details. It was reminiscent of the SF of better days, as it's now a city whose major businesses have all left, that is rife with homelessness, drugs, and poop (just google SF poop map- it's real), and OFF THE CHARTS for crime and violence.
Why I did not give 5 stars: 1) the main character was a little sex crazed. She literally made decisions for her life based on sex, which I thought was a bit ridiculous. Here's a little secret: if the guy you are with talks about f*****g you, he does NOT love you. Anyone I have ever known that has been in a truly loving relationship, has NEVER referred to it as f*****g, because then it's just an act and you are just a tool, not a person with emotions whom they cherish and respect. I wanted to grab the main character around the throat and shake her!! And 2) The author mentioned the "incredible Gavin Newsom and his beautiful wife Jennifer" (and talked about their social activities) not once, but THREE times. I wonder if the author would say the same thing if writing this book TODAY? I seriously doubt it. Gavin Newsom has failed on so many accounts: 1) the high speed FAIL, 2) wildfire prevention efforts (laughable), 3) the French Laundry scandal during Covid plandemic, (he loved to make ridiculous mandates then show he was above all the rules) 4) EDD failures (unemployment development program failures), 5) Education failures (our children's test scores are currently the WORST in the entire nation) 6) Early release of convicted felons combined with soft on crime policies give us some of the highest crime rates in the nation 7) high gas prices (highest in decades, and highest in nation), 8) drought (Newsom has not delivered one extra drop of water to farmworkers or farmers, and crops are being devasted), 9) Homelessness : highest rates in DECADES (and he's using boutique hotels to house them, driving away tourism), 10) Highest rate of Californians leaving the state EVER due to ridiculous housing costs and exorbitantly high taxes, 11) Highest rate of BUSINESSES leaving California (literally FLEEING business tax laws), 12) HIGHEST crime rates in the NATION forcing business closures, etc. just to name a few. I hope the author knows she is exalting literally everything WRONG in California, as Newsom is 100% responsible for the catastrophic failures of our once great state. It's ironic because the author focused her storyline around a luxury department store (which if it really existed in Union Square today, would be forced to close its doors under Newsom, like all the other ones have, due to his soft on crime policies). Stroking his enormous ego and pandering to him under the politically correct guise will absolutely not help her ratings or sales on this book. Gavin Newsom has quite literally, and single-handedly, DESTROYED San Francisco and the entire state of California. If he is going to be mentioned for anything in a book, it should be for that, as it's the legacy HE created.
Why I did not give 5 stars: 1) the main character was a little sex crazed. She literally made decisions for her life based on sex, which I thought was a bit ridiculous. Here's a little secret: if the guy you are with talks about f*****g you, he does NOT love you. Anyone I have ever known that has been in a truly loving relationship, has NEVER referred to it as f*****g, because then it's just an act and you are just a tool, not a person with emotions whom they cherish and respect. I wanted to grab the main character around the throat and shake her!! And 2) The author mentioned the "incredible Gavin Newsom and his beautiful wife Jennifer" (and talked about their social activities) not once, but THREE times. I wonder if the author would say the same thing if writing this book TODAY? I seriously doubt it. Gavin Newsom has failed on so many accounts: 1) the high speed FAIL, 2) wildfire prevention efforts (laughable), 3) the French Laundry scandal during Covid plandemic, (he loved to make ridiculous mandates then show he was above all the rules) 4) EDD failures (unemployment development program failures), 5) Education failures (our children's test scores are currently the WORST in the entire nation) 6) Early release of convicted felons combined with soft on crime policies give us some of the highest crime rates in the nation 7) high gas prices (highest in decades, and highest in nation), 8) drought (Newsom has not delivered one extra drop of water to farmworkers or farmers, and crops are being devasted), 9) Homelessness : highest rates in DECADES (and he's using boutique hotels to house them, driving away tourism), 10) Highest rate of Californians leaving the state EVER due to ridiculous housing costs and exorbitantly high taxes, 11) Highest rate of BUSINESSES leaving California (literally FLEEING business tax laws), 12) HIGHEST crime rates in the NATION forcing business closures, etc. just to name a few. I hope the author knows she is exalting literally everything WRONG in California, as Newsom is 100% responsible for the catastrophic failures of our once great state. It's ironic because the author focused her storyline around a luxury department store (which if it really existed in Union Square today, would be forced to close its doors under Newsom, like all the other ones have, due to his soft on crime policies). Stroking his enormous ego and pandering to him under the politically correct guise will absolutely not help her ratings or sales on this book. Gavin Newsom has quite literally, and single-handedly, DESTROYED San Francisco and the entire state of California. If he is going to be mentioned for anything in a book, it should be for that, as it's the legacy HE created.
June 2, 2018
Cassie Blake and Alexis have been best friends since first grade. Both are from wealthy San Francisco families. Cassie’s mother started Fenton’s, one of the top department stores in San Francisco. Her fashion sense is unparalleled and her unique choice of stock for her store make it “The” place for wealthy San Franciscans to shop. Cassie, unfortunately, did not inherit her mother’s sense of fashion and prefers organic gardening. Cassie has been married to Aiden, a UC Berkeley professor of ethics, who, unfortunately, hasn’t very good personal ethics of his own. Cassie learns he cheated on her with a student. She leaves him and joins Alexis in her mansion. Alexis is married to a very wealthy high-flying businessman who is rarely home. Shopping is her major activity until Cassie gets her involved with Fenton’s. Cassie also is brought into the store when her mother decides to open a unique and upscale farmer’s market in the unused basement of the store. … The story is basically predictable and the glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous is done well… I just can’t get too interested in such people.
May 12, 2013
Story Description:
St. Martin’s Press|March 26, 2013|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-312-64333-1
Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton’s, San Francisco’s most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis’s Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance.
Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie’s mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton’s new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco’s hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton’s fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her….
My Review:
Cassie Blake, heiress to Fenton’s Department store in San Francisco, and her best friend, Alexis, were standing at the jewellery counter admiring a new line of necklaces, pendants, and rings. A young girl approached and said she needed to make a return because she needed the money. She was a student at UC Berkeley and money was tight for her. Cassie asked the young student if she had a receipt but the girl said no, that it was a gift and maybe Cassie would have the credit card receipt on file. The girl said: “The name was Blake, Aidan Blake.” Cassie was a bit stunned and replied: “Excuse me.” The student repeated: “Aidan Blake, Professor Aidan Blake actually…” Aidan Blake was Cassie’s husband! Was he having an affair with a student or did he just purchase jewellery for all his female students for Christmas? Alexis tried to calm, Cassie down and suggested they go up to her mother’s office where they could talk. Alexis reminded Cassie that she and Aidan had been married for almost ten years, so there had to be a reasonable explanation.
After some talking and bantering back and forth, Alexis finally convinced Cassie to take the gift box home, pour a glass of Chardonnay, show Aidan the box, and ask him where it came from. Cassie went down to the parking garage and headed home.
When Cassie arrived home, Aidan was just finishing up his shower and then came into the kitchen. After exchanging hello’s, Cassie tossed the Fenton’s gift box on the kitchen counter and related the story of the young student who had showed up at the store with it today. Aidan didn’t deny he had given the gift to the twenty-one-year-old Molly Payne and the story he gave Cassie seemed perfectly plausible. They cooked dinner and then spent the evening together cuddled up on the sofa listening to the Beatles.
Cassie has a lot to keep herself busy these days. Her mother wants to open a food emporium on the basement floor of the department store. This wouldn’t be just any old food place, but one that was not only designed and decorated to the nines, but one that sold fresh, locally grown and organic produce, cheese, bread, and wines. Her mother wanted to attract a younger clientele and had hired an architect who specializes in the interior design of restuarants. The restaurant would even have a counter where you could sample the produce, and perhaps even have a chef who would demonstrate various recipes using different vegetables. Cassie’s mother wants her to run and be in charge of this new food emporium, but this would mean Cassie would have to give up volunteering at the Edible Schoolyard and that is something Cassie doesn’t want to do.
While grocery shopping, Cassie ran into Molly Payne who recognized, Cassie right away. She thanked her for giving her the money when she returned the pendant to the store and said she’d purchased a micro-wave with the money. Molly then launched into this big spiel about growing up in Oregon and how her parents weren’t happy she’d come to school at UC Berkeley. Molly then said the professors were all so nice and that she’d made muffins for her ethics professor, Aidan Blake, and bought a red lacy bra and panties to go along with the muffins. Cassie was just about sick and left her grocery cart and headed for her car. Once home she sat in the dark waiting for, Aidan. When he arrived home, Cassie confronted him about the muffins and the red bra and panties. Aidan admitted to having sex with Molly once at her apartment. Cassie gathered her coat and said she was leaving, she was going to stay with Alexis for a while until she figured out if she still had a husband or not.
Cassie is so hurt by this devastating news and my heart just ached for her. I wanted to put my arms around her and hug her. Feeling betrayed is such an unpleasant emotion to endure.
Does Cassie go back to Aidan or does she strike out on her own? You’ll just have to read the book to find out. And, what about the food emporium? Does Cassie give up her volunteer job, a place and job she loves with all her heart?
Market Street was well-written and the character development was exemplary. The close relationship between Cassie and Alexis is rare. They had been friends since grade school and could talk about anything and everything together, from sex to food to buying new cars. The storyline kept me turning page after page after page. Anita Hughes is a gifted and talented storyteller with an uncanny ability to find the true emotions in all of us.
The beautifully described foods and fashions were so well depicted that I could picture in my mind’s eye exactly what everything looked like. Market Street was a scrumptiously delicious novel in more ways than one and gets a huge thumbs up from me. Thank you Ms. Hughes for a sweet, tender, and emotional read!
St. Martin’s Press|March 26, 2013|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-312-64333-1
Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton’s, San Francisco’s most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis’s Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance.
Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie’s mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton’s new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco’s hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton’s fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her….
My Review:
Cassie Blake, heiress to Fenton’s Department store in San Francisco, and her best friend, Alexis, were standing at the jewellery counter admiring a new line of necklaces, pendants, and rings. A young girl approached and said she needed to make a return because she needed the money. She was a student at UC Berkeley and money was tight for her. Cassie asked the young student if she had a receipt but the girl said no, that it was a gift and maybe Cassie would have the credit card receipt on file. The girl said: “The name was Blake, Aidan Blake.” Cassie was a bit stunned and replied: “Excuse me.” The student repeated: “Aidan Blake, Professor Aidan Blake actually…” Aidan Blake was Cassie’s husband! Was he having an affair with a student or did he just purchase jewellery for all his female students for Christmas? Alexis tried to calm, Cassie down and suggested they go up to her mother’s office where they could talk. Alexis reminded Cassie that she and Aidan had been married for almost ten years, so there had to be a reasonable explanation.
After some talking and bantering back and forth, Alexis finally convinced Cassie to take the gift box home, pour a glass of Chardonnay, show Aidan the box, and ask him where it came from. Cassie went down to the parking garage and headed home.
When Cassie arrived home, Aidan was just finishing up his shower and then came into the kitchen. After exchanging hello’s, Cassie tossed the Fenton’s gift box on the kitchen counter and related the story of the young student who had showed up at the store with it today. Aidan didn’t deny he had given the gift to the twenty-one-year-old Molly Payne and the story he gave Cassie seemed perfectly plausible. They cooked dinner and then spent the evening together cuddled up on the sofa listening to the Beatles.
Cassie has a lot to keep herself busy these days. Her mother wants to open a food emporium on the basement floor of the department store. This wouldn’t be just any old food place, but one that was not only designed and decorated to the nines, but one that sold fresh, locally grown and organic produce, cheese, bread, and wines. Her mother wanted to attract a younger clientele and had hired an architect who specializes in the interior design of restuarants. The restaurant would even have a counter where you could sample the produce, and perhaps even have a chef who would demonstrate various recipes using different vegetables. Cassie’s mother wants her to run and be in charge of this new food emporium, but this would mean Cassie would have to give up volunteering at the Edible Schoolyard and that is something Cassie doesn’t want to do.
While grocery shopping, Cassie ran into Molly Payne who recognized, Cassie right away. She thanked her for giving her the money when she returned the pendant to the store and said she’d purchased a micro-wave with the money. Molly then launched into this big spiel about growing up in Oregon and how her parents weren’t happy she’d come to school at UC Berkeley. Molly then said the professors were all so nice and that she’d made muffins for her ethics professor, Aidan Blake, and bought a red lacy bra and panties to go along with the muffins. Cassie was just about sick and left her grocery cart and headed for her car. Once home she sat in the dark waiting for, Aidan. When he arrived home, Cassie confronted him about the muffins and the red bra and panties. Aidan admitted to having sex with Molly once at her apartment. Cassie gathered her coat and said she was leaving, she was going to stay with Alexis for a while until she figured out if she still had a husband or not.
Cassie is so hurt by this devastating news and my heart just ached for her. I wanted to put my arms around her and hug her. Feeling betrayed is such an unpleasant emotion to endure.
Does Cassie go back to Aidan or does she strike out on her own? You’ll just have to read the book to find out. And, what about the food emporium? Does Cassie give up her volunteer job, a place and job she loves with all her heart?
Market Street was well-written and the character development was exemplary. The close relationship between Cassie and Alexis is rare. They had been friends since grade school and could talk about anything and everything together, from sex to food to buying new cars. The storyline kept me turning page after page after page. Anita Hughes is a gifted and talented storyteller with an uncanny ability to find the true emotions in all of us.
The beautifully described foods and fashions were so well depicted that I could picture in my mind’s eye exactly what everything looked like. Market Street was a scrumptiously delicious novel in more ways than one and gets a huge thumbs up from me. Thank you Ms. Hughes for a sweet, tender, and emotional read!
March 6, 2018
Maybe 2.5 stars?? I guess I should have known what I was getting into, reading a book about 2 rich women in San Francisco who don't have to have jobs and who are each married to husbands who prefer them to stay at home. Neither woman really seems to have any ambition, though I guess at some points in the story their interests are believable... If you're still interested in the premise, I hope you like a book with an unnecessary amount of sex in it. It was like watching a bad 90s sitcom... but not funny.
March 12, 2023
I’ve had this book on my shelf for years and I was saving it until just the right time. It is another very satisfying entry from Anita Hughes. I love how she brings cities and establishments to life and makes you want to visit these exquisite places as well. My only complaint on this one is it’s about adultery instead of just falling in love but even though there was a lot of sadness about people who make stupid choices, the story itself was still enjoyable. Now to visit San Francisco for myself…
June 21, 2017
"romance"
There was no chemistry at ALL between the two characters. How am I supposed to root for you at all? Plus the main character was all hung up on her cheating husband and wanting to work it out and then like two days later hooks up this other guy? no thanks. It was hard to finish this book...but I did. Ungh.
There was no chemistry at ALL between the two characters. How am I supposed to root for you at all? Plus the main character was all hung up on her cheating husband and wanting to work it out and then like two days later hooks up this other guy? no thanks. It was hard to finish this book...but I did. Ungh.
January 16, 2025
This was a quick, easy read. This was one of her earlier books and at points focused a bit too much on romance rather than an actual story line. I enjoyed but it didn’t leave me with a sweet happy feeling like some of her other books. I am glad I read, and I enjoyed just not as much as some of her other books that she has written more recently.
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