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Sourdough Without Fail: 100% Whole Grain Sourdough Bread, Pizza, and Pastries for Any Kitchen
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26- GenresCookbooks
228 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 15, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘Sourdough Without Fail, 100% Whole Grain Sourdough Bread, Pizza, and Pastries for Any Kitchen’ is a practical and approachable guide for anyone keen to understand whole grain baking. The Author, Kate Downham, is a homesteader in the States and home mills grains to bake daily; ensuring her 75+ recipes are thoroughly wholesome. However, she believes that anyone, with any lifestyle, can successfully make healthy slow fermented bread. The book’s greatest strength is that it equips the reader with everything they need to know to make sourdough in a typical kitchen, without the need for fancy kit.
Although ‘Sourdough Without Fail’ has something to offer beginners, I feel that the book really comes into its own if you have a little experience. I’m a keen baker and make sourdough loaves at least once a week. Although I’ve experimented with using Rye, Spelt and other grains I’ve had more success with a strong white in the mix too. The title appealed for this reason - I wanted to be more adventurous with my approach and was not disappointed. I can heartily recommend the delicious wholewheat sunflower seed loaf. I found the instructions easy to follow and the dough behaved as expected. Although stoneground flour makes for a fairly dense loaf, it had a lovely soft crumb and wasn’t at all grainy, as wholegrain bread can be.
The book is well laid out; explaining the science behind sourdough in clear, approachable language with step-by-step photographs. Although the introductory chapters may feel a bit dense, you don’t have to read everything at once; as the recipes are clear and it is easy to refer back to the ‘how to’ sections.
The recipes introduce a range of techniques because whole grains can require specific approaches. However, Downham includes options for ‘easy’ loaves that demystify the process of long fermentation and offers flexible sample schedules to help the reader fit baking into a busy life. There are even recipes for different seasons because temperature is so important for fermentation. I found the ingredient tables particularly useful for adapting recipes to one loaf or many – it’s great that both imperial and metric measurements are included.
Although I think it’s worth pointing out that the total absence of white flour may make the loaves a little unconventional for those taking their first steps into sourdough, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the book. It has a definite point of difference and I will be purchasing a physical copy as an interesting addition to my ever-growing sourdough library.
Thank you to the Publisher, Books Go Social, NetGalley and the Author for the advance reading copy of this book.
Although ‘Sourdough Without Fail’ has something to offer beginners, I feel that the book really comes into its own if you have a little experience. I’m a keen baker and make sourdough loaves at least once a week. Although I’ve experimented with using Rye, Spelt and other grains I’ve had more success with a strong white in the mix too. The title appealed for this reason - I wanted to be more adventurous with my approach and was not disappointed. I can heartily recommend the delicious wholewheat sunflower seed loaf. I found the instructions easy to follow and the dough behaved as expected. Although stoneground flour makes for a fairly dense loaf, it had a lovely soft crumb and wasn’t at all grainy, as wholegrain bread can be.
The book is well laid out; explaining the science behind sourdough in clear, approachable language with step-by-step photographs. Although the introductory chapters may feel a bit dense, you don’t have to read everything at once; as the recipes are clear and it is easy to refer back to the ‘how to’ sections.
The recipes introduce a range of techniques because whole grains can require specific approaches. However, Downham includes options for ‘easy’ loaves that demystify the process of long fermentation and offers flexible sample schedules to help the reader fit baking into a busy life. There are even recipes for different seasons because temperature is so important for fermentation. I found the ingredient tables particularly useful for adapting recipes to one loaf or many – it’s great that both imperial and metric measurements are included.
Although I think it’s worth pointing out that the total absence of white flour may make the loaves a little unconventional for those taking their first steps into sourdough, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the book. It has a definite point of difference and I will be purchasing a physical copy as an interesting addition to my ever-growing sourdough library.
Thank you to the Publisher, Books Go Social, NetGalley and the Author for the advance reading copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An excellent, comprehensive book with lots of photos. There is great details about how to set up your starter and I actually set mine up and cooked the flat bread a few times that was one of the recipes. My only criticism was I couldn’t find the flatbreads in the index until I realised they were called discarded flatbreads so under d, I think that’s a pretty minor criticism. I love how you are guided through recipes depending on how long the starter dough has lived for.
I’ve not got much further than that but can see other recipes, mainly the bread and pizzas, that I really want to be able to move on to. This book feels like an absolute labour of love. There is so much attention to detail and you really feel that your hand has been held throughout the process. We’ve had a bit of a cold snap this weekend and I’m not sure my starter has survived but I know this book will help me either revive or start again maybe next month! The weather in Wales in the spring is unpredictable.
An example of the attention to detail are pages explaining how to make pizza! 🍕♥️ The author, as other recipes includes photos, personal reflections and adaptations for the recipe depending on how much starter you add.
I think this is an excellent book if you want to make your own bread. The recipes are straightforward to read but detailed enough that you don’t have to look for any information anywhere else.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
I’ve not got much further than that but can see other recipes, mainly the bread and pizzas, that I really want to be able to move on to. This book feels like an absolute labour of love. There is so much attention to detail and you really feel that your hand has been held throughout the process. We’ve had a bit of a cold snap this weekend and I’m not sure my starter has survived but I know this book will help me either revive or start again maybe next month! The weather in Wales in the spring is unpredictable.
An example of the attention to detail are pages explaining how to make pizza! 🍕♥️ The author, as other recipes includes photos, personal reflections and adaptations for the recipe depending on how much starter you add.
I think this is an excellent book if you want to make your own bread. The recipes are straightforward to read but detailed enough that you don’t have to look for any information anywhere else.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is absolutely wholesome. I have been trying to make my own sourdough starter for a while now, but I’m an absolute beginner and many recipes and instructions out there for some reason assume you already know half of the steps. This book does no such thing. It is the most thorough, in-depth guide to sourdough bread I’ve read so far. Not only does the book explain the science behind sourdough and how it all comes together, but it takes you through everything step by step. There are troubleshooting section you can read through if your dough comes out wrong to figure out what you should do differently next time. There are guides to make your sourdough journey fit your lifestyle and I love that about this book.
I especially liked the pictures in the book. They didn’t look like the typical fully edited, aesthetic, professional pictures you often find in cookbooks and such. They looked authentic as though they were taken in someone’s actual kitchen (which I’m assuming they were). And I thought that made the book 10 times better.
There are all sorts of bread and pastry recipes on here. There’s even a sourdough pasta recipe, which I can’t wait to try. I will get started with my starter and hopefully it turns out well so I can update this review with pictures of yummy breads I made from this book.
I especially liked the pictures in the book. They didn’t look like the typical fully edited, aesthetic, professional pictures you often find in cookbooks and such. They looked authentic as though they were taken in someone’s actual kitchen (which I’m assuming they were). And I thought that made the book 10 times better.
There are all sorts of bread and pastry recipes on here. There’s even a sourdough pasta recipe, which I can’t wait to try. I will get started with my starter and hopefully it turns out well so I can update this review with pictures of yummy breads I made from this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of Netgalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Have you ever had a good loaf of sourdough bread? Could it truly be difficult to make the sourdough at home? After all, people made leavened bread before yeast was popularized in the stores. Mrs. Downham has a solution to our dilemma. How many recipes does she have for our enjoyment? Let's find out.
Dislikes: My feelings on wholegrain bread aside, I didn't quite understand how to use the starters in this book. Perhaps it was a section that went over my head.
Like: I appreciated learning about why so many loaves of sourdough, that I've tried before, failed. With all my skills with the regular yeast breads, that was an eye opener to find out that sourdough truly needs a scale to perfectly work this kind of bread.
The recipes use weight and imperial measurements in the grafts.
Oh, and if you like overnight artisanal loaves, wrap them in a tea towel after they are done for a softer loaf.
Conclusion: This is a great book. If you are a fan of bread making, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Have you ever had a good loaf of sourdough bread? Could it truly be difficult to make the sourdough at home? After all, people made leavened bread before yeast was popularized in the stores. Mrs. Downham has a solution to our dilemma. How many recipes does she have for our enjoyment? Let's find out.
Dislikes: My feelings on wholegrain bread aside, I didn't quite understand how to use the starters in this book. Perhaps it was a section that went over my head.
Like: I appreciated learning about why so many loaves of sourdough, that I've tried before, failed. With all my skills with the regular yeast breads, that was an eye opener to find out that sourdough truly needs a scale to perfectly work this kind of bread.
The recipes use weight and imperial measurements in the grafts.
Oh, and if you like overnight artisanal loaves, wrap them in a tea towel after they are done for a softer loaf.
Conclusion: This is a great book. If you are a fan of bread making, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you’re ready to turn your kitchen into a bubbling laboratory of flour and wild yeast, Sourdough Without Fail by Kate Downham is like that cool, earthy friend who hands you a mason jar and tells you, "You’ve got this!" This book is a breath of fresh air for the beginner who wants to skip the complex chemistry sets and focus on the fun, rhythmic hobby of baking from scratch. Downham’s low-tech approach is incredibly encouraging, making the daunting task of starting a culture feel like a simple weekend adventure. While it earns a solid three stars for its accessibility and upbeat vibe, keep in mind that its "keep it simple" philosophy means it skips over some of the deeper technical troubleshooting you might crave once you’re a few loaves in. Ultimately, it’s a lovely, inviting entry point that makes the process feel like a joy rather than a chore—perfect for anyone looking to master the unmistakable tangy crunch of a home-baked loaf!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksgoSocial who shared this wonderfully approachable guide that takes the intimidation out of the artisan bread world.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksgoSocial who shared this wonderfully approachable guide that takes the intimidation out of the artisan bread world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to BookGoSocial and NetGalley for this E-ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I, as many other people, am on a sourdough journey. I have managed to keep my starter alive for an entire week now. Applause please. And then what? What do I do now? I don’t know. Scrolling through bread books, I saw this. Was approved, and immediately feel better. This book is incredibly in depth and detailed. You can either simply follow the recipes or read it from cover to cover to become a sourdough magician. It details what to do in different seasons, which is incredibly helpful because I have accidentally (murdered) two previous sourdough starters due to weather. I did not know that both sourdough starters and I deflate in the cold. I also like to be wrapped up if my room is colder than 20 degrees Celsius.
There are so many good tips and tricks in here. How to figure out why your starter is doing its thing. This is an incredibly helpful book and I will be purchasing the actual print when it comes out.
I, as many other people, am on a sourdough journey. I have managed to keep my starter alive for an entire week now. Applause please. And then what? What do I do now? I don’t know. Scrolling through bread books, I saw this. Was approved, and immediately feel better. This book is incredibly in depth and detailed. You can either simply follow the recipes or read it from cover to cover to become a sourdough magician. It details what to do in different seasons, which is incredibly helpful because I have accidentally (murdered) two previous sourdough starters due to weather. I did not know that both sourdough starters and I deflate in the cold. I also like to be wrapped up if my room is colder than 20 degrees Celsius.
There are so many good tips and tricks in here. How to figure out why your starter is doing its thing. This is an incredibly helpful book and I will be purchasing the actual print when it comes out.
Read
April 21, 2026Sourdough Without Fail is a practical and encouraging guide to mastering whole grain sourdough baking. Kate Downham takes what can often feel like a complex and unpredictable process and makes it accessible through clear instructions and a focus on consistency.
The book stands out for its emphasis on reliability. Rather than overwhelming readers with overly technical detail, it provides straightforward methods that help build confidence in the kitchen. The inclusion of a wide range of recipes from breads to pizzas to pastries adds versatility and ensures that readers can apply their skills across different types of baking.
Another strength is its focus on whole grain ingredients, which brings both nutritional value and depth of flavor to the recipes. This makes the book especially appealing to those looking to bake in a more wholesome and intentional way.
Overall, Sourdough Without Fail is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced bakers who want dependable, well-structured guidance and satisfying results.
The book stands out for its emphasis on reliability. Rather than overwhelming readers with overly technical detail, it provides straightforward methods that help build confidence in the kitchen. The inclusion of a wide range of recipes from breads to pizzas to pastries adds versatility and ensures that readers can apply their skills across different types of baking.
Another strength is its focus on whole grain ingredients, which brings both nutritional value and depth of flavor to the recipes. This makes the book especially appealing to those looking to bake in a more wholesome and intentional way.
Overall, Sourdough Without Fail is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced bakers who want dependable, well-structured guidance and satisfying results.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was not only a recipe book, but a step-by-step guide to various different ways of making sourdough products from your starter.
It goes into extreme detail, almost as someone is here with you making the sourdough recipes and showing you step by step how to do it properly.
The pictures are also very helpful to demonstrate how to fold the dough properly and what they mean when they describe how they like maneuvering the bread to prepare it for baking.
This book also goes over hydration and many other things I definitely did not understand from other books I’ve read and definitely a few things. I did not know this book has made me more confident in my ability to make sourdough products, whether it be a different types of baking to make pretzels, baguettes, bowls or many other fun things with the discard I’m so excited to try more recipes and find out what my family likes!
It goes into extreme detail, almost as someone is here with you making the sourdough recipes and showing you step by step how to do it properly.
The pictures are also very helpful to demonstrate how to fold the dough properly and what they mean when they describe how they like maneuvering the bread to prepare it for baking.
This book also goes over hydration and many other things I definitely did not understand from other books I’ve read and definitely a few things. I did not know this book has made me more confident in my ability to make sourdough products, whether it be a different types of baking to make pretzels, baguettes, bowls or many other fun things with the discard I’m so excited to try more recipes and find out what my family likes!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a great starter guide for sourdough. I’ve always been a little intimidated to try making a starter because there is just so much science behind it, however this book will be my guide moving forward.
I loved that all the recipes had both imperial and metric measurements as someone who tends to use both depending on the recipe. The pictures are also a huge help to seeing exactly how to do each step of the process.
On top of that, the variety of recipes all look great. Not just your usual breads but other more unique recipes that can be made, and even with the discard. This will definitely be a book i reference as i continue on my sourdough journey.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that all the recipes had both imperial and metric measurements as someone who tends to use both depending on the recipe. The pictures are also a huge help to seeing exactly how to do each step of the process.
On top of that, the variety of recipes all look great. Not just your usual breads but other more unique recipes that can be made, and even with the discard. This will definitely be a book i reference as i continue on my sourdough journey.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Like so many others right now, I'm fascinated with sourdough and all its many possibilities. This cookbook was every bit as informative as I thought it would be. Not only does it give a recipe and tips to make your own starter - - which I need since I killed the last one I had. It also has other fabulous tips on proofing, mistakes that people sometimes make and suggestions for add ins. The book contains so many recipes and even has several to make using the discard.
Since this cookbook also provides many helpful hints, it's also a good how-to book. It will be a great tool to keep on hand for reference along with yummy ideas for what to make. I look forward to using this book in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy.
Since this cookbook also provides many helpful hints, it's also a good how-to book. It will be a great tool to keep on hand for reference along with yummy ideas for what to make. I look forward to using this book in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an excellent starting guide for sourdough baking. Over the years, I’ve maintained several starters and experimented with different recipes, but Downham presents the science behind sourdough in a way that’s clear and approachable. The inclusion of both imperial and metric measurements, along with helpful photographs, makes the book especially accessible for home bakers.
I only wish I’d had this resource when I first began my sourdough journey. Even for more experienced bakers, the book offers plenty of value with a range of recipes that go beyond the classic sourdough loaf.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I only wish I’d had this resource when I first began my sourdough journey. Even for more experienced bakers, the book offers plenty of value with a range of recipes that go beyond the classic sourdough loaf.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have dabbled with sourdough for many years, but I decided that 2026 was going to be my year to master it! If my middle daughter can do it while going to college and working, I can too! I made my own starter a week ago and plan to start making some discard recipes within a week.
Kate Downham explains everything so well and this book was very encouraging to me. She includes photos and recipes, troubleshooting ideas and information on different kinds of wheat flour. This book is a wonderful resource for those wanting to learn all things sourdough!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: 15 September 2026
Kate Downham explains everything so well and this book was very encouraging to me. She includes photos and recipes, troubleshooting ideas and information on different kinds of wheat flour. This book is a wonderful resource for those wanting to learn all things sourdough!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: 15 September 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
I acquired this book through a kickstarter. Not my place for book browsing - and so I’m feeling pretty lucky to have heard about it.
This is probably my sixth book on sourdough. The first 5 were good enough, but just. This is the best one. Incredibly informative AND enjoyable to read - which means I’m actually reading everything, not just skimming through what I need to know for a particular recipe. So, I’m quickly becoming more competent, and it seems less like work compared to my other forays into sourdough baking.
No fancy equipment or ingredients required. Great range of recipes. No mysteries. Covers everything. This book has freed up shelf space in my cookbook section.
This is probably my sixth book on sourdough. The first 5 were good enough, but just. This is the best one. Incredibly informative AND enjoyable to read - which means I’m actually reading everything, not just skimming through what I need to know for a particular recipe. So, I’m quickly becoming more competent, and it seems less like work compared to my other forays into sourdough baking.
No fancy equipment or ingredients required. Great range of recipes. No mysteries. Covers everything. This book has freed up shelf space in my cookbook section.
Read
March 25, 2026First, I’d like to thank NetGalley and the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been making sourdough for the last 6 years, I still don’t like the mathematics of baking. I have never understood the hydration, acids, seed percentages, and more, but I’ve always made a great loaf of sourdough. Until my starter stopped fermenting properly. This book goes into all of that and I feel confident I can regain control over my baking with her methods. I am looking forward to trying some of the recipes.
I’ve been making sourdough for the last 6 years, I still don’t like the mathematics of baking. I have never understood the hydration, acids, seed percentages, and more, but I’ve always made a great loaf of sourdough. Until my starter stopped fermenting properly. This book goes into all of that and I feel confident I can regain control over my baking with her methods. I am looking forward to trying some of the recipes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I AM BUYING THIS BOOK!! It’s absolutely fantastic. I have some experience with sourdough baking but I’m very amateur. I’m so excited about this book. I need it on my recipe bookshelf. I am also going to buy a copy for each of my friends who’s also been getting into sourdough. This is an excellent assortment of recipes. I appreciate the layout of the book. It’s easy to follow, the photos are not too many and not too few. I’m very excited for this to release in print. Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC to review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Sourdough Without Fail, you will learn everything you need to know to bake healthy sourdough breads. The author goes through each step thoroughly and explains the entire process. There is no white flour used in these recipes, which is why they are healthy, but may be a change if you are used to white bread. Once the process is explained, the recipes are introduced. These sound delicious, as well as being healthy. If you’re looking to start making sourdough and make it even healthier, this book will be a great resource.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley & BooksGoSocial publishing for the advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
wow! so much more than a cookbook! As someone who has been making sourdough from a 1 page recipe & Pinterest for a few years, this book gave me so much more information about the science behind the bread-making. I've always found whole wheat sourdough to be challenging, so I think this book will help me master whole wheat recipes.
wow! so much more than a cookbook! As someone who has been making sourdough from a 1 page recipe & Pinterest for a few years, this book gave me so much more information about the science behind the bread-making. I've always found whole wheat sourdough to be challenging, so I think this book will help me master whole wheat recipes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Packed with info and recipes! I have been curious about sourdough but a little intimidated and this book cleared up a lot of questions I had. I love that there are so many pictures included as explanations. There’s lots of recipe varieties besides basic sourdough including rye, pizza, pancakes, rolls, tortillas, dessert, and gluten free bread.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! Release date 7/15/26.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! Release date 7/15/26.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a great introduction into sourdough!
It covers everything from making and maintaining a sourdough starter to baking simple sourdough breads, pizzas, and pastries. The descriptions are detailed, comprehensible, and with plenty of pictures.
In summary, this book is the perfect choice for anyone looking to learn about and get into baking with sourdough.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
It covers everything from making and maintaining a sourdough starter to baking simple sourdough breads, pizzas, and pastries. The descriptions are detailed, comprehensible, and with plenty of pictures.
In summary, this book is the perfect choice for anyone looking to learn about and get into baking with sourdough.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was incredibly informative! It goes into a deep dive into the ins and outs of sourdough, how each kind of flour will affect your dough, as well as water. It has some wonderful recipes that I look forward to trying out, and I also look forward to using her methods to perfect my sourdough game. If you are looking to learn more in depth about sourdough and what works, I’d highly recommend giving this book a read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ms. kate downham, i hope you have a really really nice day
ykw i really enjoyed this recipe book, i will be making sourdough now ! each recipe had really helpful tables that give you measurments based on how many loaves you want to make.
ykw i really enjoyed this recipe book, i will be making sourdough now ! each recipe had really helpful tables that give you measurments based on how many loaves you want to make.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A terrific resource loaded with photos and helpful instructions for making sourdough bread, pastries, and pizza. I have two left thumbs in the kitchen and with this gorgeous guide, even I can succeed with sourdough. Huzzah!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Interesting book. I’ve never tried making anything sourdough or dealt with a starter. It seems interesting but wow it also seems like a lot of work. While I found the book quite informational, I’m still not sure if I’ll ever try sourdough
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We love sourdough in our family and are always looking for new ideas to try. This book gave us a few ideas and if you’re interested in sourdough, no matter your experience level, you’ll find it offers some great ideas and suggestions to get your started or elevate your sourdough game.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve been baking sourdough for two years now but I’ve been scared to try 100% whole grain flour recipes. After reading this book and seeing how perfectly well it describes every aspect of sourdough baking I think I’m ready to start baking a more healthier option using whole grain flour instead of white processed ones. It’s also a great source for beginners who are starting with sourdough baking as it introduces and explains everything you need to know about starter, pre-ferment, grains, stretching and folding, etc.
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