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The Cake Therapist
A fiction debut that will leave you wanting seconds, from an award-winning cookbook author.Claire “Neely” O’Neil is a pastry chef of extraordinary talent. Every great chef can taste shimmering, elusive flavors that most of us miss, but Neely can “taste” feelings—cinnamon makes you remember; plum is pleased with itself; orange is a wake-up call. When flavor and feeling give Neely a glimpse of someone’s inner self, she can customize her creations to help that person celebrate love, overcome fear, even mourn a devastating loss.Maybe that’s why she feels the need to go home to Millcreek Valley at a time when her life seems about to fall apart. The bakery she opens in her hometown is perfect, intimate, just what she’s always dreamed of—and yet, as she meets her new customers, Neely has a sense of secrets, some dark, some perhaps with tempting possibilities. A recurring flavor of alarming intensity signals to her perfect palate a long-ago story that must be told.Neely has always been able to help everyone else. Getting to the end of this story may be just what she needs to help herself.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
114 people are currently reading
3052 people want to read
About the author
Judith M. Fertig
42 books123 followersJudith Fertig is an award-winning novelist and cookbook author. Flavor speaks to her in stories and recipes, whether for baking or barbecue.
She resides in Overland Park, Kansas, which is not quite somewhere-over-the-rainbow, but close.
She resides in Overland Park, Kansas, which is not quite somewhere-over-the-rainbow, but close.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
May 23, 2018
This was light, easy reading. That's the only good part of my review, and I'm not sure if that's even good. I thought that the characters were completely one-dimensional and that the plot was unrealistic with a ton of areas that need to be fleshed out. The sections about food were the most detailed – it’s clear that this more than novel-writing is the author’s area of expertise. Here are some of my issues with the book:
•As I mentioned above, no character (except maybe Mrs. Amici) had any depth. Aside from the way she relates to food, the main character, Neely, had absolutely no personality. The other characters had even less.
•I hated that Neely conveniently had Ben as a romantic back-up ready to date her as soon as she came back to town. I also hated that the author put no effort into fleshing out their relationship – their first date was just described as a “warm and wonderful evening.” Couldn’t we at least have had one conversation between them that showed anything about their personalities or why they were good for each other? And then somehow at the end of the book Ben is telling her that he’s been her go-to guy for help ever since they were kids? We had no indication of that beforehand.
•Neely’s superpower with food was way more supernatural than I was prepared for. At first you think that she just has this kind of synesthetic association of flavors with people, but it turns out she can have actual visions of the past! That kind of crazy magical power didn’t seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the book.
•Her group of friends annoyed me. Again, they were undeveloped, plus who returns to their hometown after so many years and seamlessly falls back into place with the same group of friends they had in high school? They were also too conveniently diverse.
•I’m confused by what was going on in her marriage during the time it took Neely to plan for her new bakery. The book’s opening makes it seem like she’s rashly running away when obviously things have been in the works for a long time. Also, it’s hard to have any feelings about the end of her marriage when her relationship with Luke was never even developed for us.
•I’m mostly okay with some of the other unrealistic parts of the novel (that ending with the Habigs; the fact that Neely would be there for that revelation and for other revelations like Roberta’s backstory) since books do usually need to be a little unrealistic to be interesting.
So overall, works well when you want something light but not recommended as a great novel.
•As I mentioned above, no character (except maybe Mrs. Amici) had any depth. Aside from the way she relates to food, the main character, Neely, had absolutely no personality. The other characters had even less.
•I hated that Neely conveniently had Ben as a romantic back-up ready to date her as soon as she came back to town. I also hated that the author put no effort into fleshing out their relationship – their first date was just described as a “warm and wonderful evening.” Couldn’t we at least have had one conversation between them that showed anything about their personalities or why they were good for each other? And then somehow at the end of the book Ben is telling her that he’s been her go-to guy for help ever since they were kids? We had no indication of that beforehand.
•Neely’s superpower with food was way more supernatural than I was prepared for. At first you think that she just has this kind of synesthetic association of flavors with people, but it turns out she can have actual visions of the past! That kind of crazy magical power didn’t seem to fit with the tone of the rest of the book.
•Her group of friends annoyed me. Again, they were undeveloped, plus who returns to their hometown after so many years and seamlessly falls back into place with the same group of friends they had in high school? They were also too conveniently diverse.
•I’m confused by what was going on in her marriage during the time it took Neely to plan for her new bakery. The book’s opening makes it seem like she’s rashly running away when obviously things have been in the works for a long time. Also, it’s hard to have any feelings about the end of her marriage when her relationship with Luke was never even developed for us.
•I’m mostly okay with some of the other unrealistic parts of the novel (that ending with the Habigs; the fact that Neely would be there for that revelation and for other revelations like Roberta’s backstory) since books do usually need to be a little unrealistic to be interesting.
So overall, works well when you want something light but not recommended as a great novel.
August 19, 2016
The Cake Therapist is a good debut and the author's cooking skills come through with lots of descriptions of delectable pastries, cakes, etc. Mmm...one could taste and smell them.
Don't let the cover fool you. This novel is serious with a little mystery. It has numerous interconnected characters but not all are fleshed out or are their stories elaborated. Maybe that is the author's intention since there is a second book which I will be reading.
Don't let the cover fool you. This novel is serious with a little mystery. It has numerous interconnected characters but not all are fleshed out or are their stories elaborated. Maybe that is the author's intention since there is a second book which I will be reading.
December 27, 2015
I shelved this book around the same time as The Coincidence of Coconut Cake
expecting both to be about good food and good romance, which I got in The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, but this one? It fell short of my expectations.
There’s Claire ‘Neely’ O’Neill, a master baker, who arrives at her wedding-themed home town of Millcreek to open a new bakery, Rainbow Cake. The story line alternates between Neely’s present day one and flashbacks (early 1900s) set in the same location.
I probably shouldn’t have read this so soon after The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, ‘coz I think I subconsciously kept comparing the two and found that while I liked this story and Judith Fertig’s ideas, I didn’t really enjoy the way it was told.
I found Neely to be boring and one dimensional. I wasn’t interested in reading about her whining and cribbing; her problems seemed trivial when compared to the stuff that was happening during the flashbacks, which was set during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and which I found WAY more interesting.
The secondary characters too were ordinary and felt forced at times. Normally, I would welcome the lack of romance in an exciting, compelling story, but here, the romance would have been a much needed distraction in Neely’s pov, ‘coz there was almost nothing else. Apart from the food descriptions (which were heavenly) and the dialogues, I think I skimmed through a lot of other stuff.
There were also a lot of unanswered questions. I probably think these might get resolved in the next book, The memory of lemon, which I might check out if my curiosity gets the better of me.
ACTUAL RATING: 2.5
September 29, 2022
Nothing spectacular, but not awful either, just ok.
June 3, 2015
Just as cake and icing go together, THE CAKE THERAPIST blends generations and sweets and turns both into one heartfelt story.
THE CAKE THERAPIST is a wonderful treat for the senses, especially your taste buds, as well as feelings.
Claire O'Neil Davis has come back home to fulfill her dream of owning a bakery because it just felt like the right thing to do since she and her husband were having problems because of his infidelity
Claire seems to have a knack to be able to "read" people and be able to match up cake batter and icing to the person's mood. That definitely is a plus when she is helping couples choose the correct batter and icing for their wedding cakes.
Her talent of being able to "read" people definitely helps her figure out that her neighbor has some connection to a wedding couple's father and grumpy Mrs. Amici next door. This is when the fun begins.
If you want a "sweet" read that has love, family, sharing, and just darn good feelings in it, read THE CAKE THERAPIST.
You won't be disappointed, and you will be running to your nearest bakery to get some sweet treats and perhaps trying to figure out if you are chocolate and raspberry or blueberry and lemon.
The only thing that was a bit confusing was the reason for the flashbacks to the 1940's, but it all comes out in the final chapters that resound with a "yeah" for cake and as Claire says: "The Power Of Cake." Page 248
ENJOY!!! 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author in return for an honest review.
THE CAKE THERAPIST is a wonderful treat for the senses, especially your taste buds, as well as feelings.
Claire O'Neil Davis has come back home to fulfill her dream of owning a bakery because it just felt like the right thing to do since she and her husband were having problems because of his infidelity
Claire seems to have a knack to be able to "read" people and be able to match up cake batter and icing to the person's mood. That definitely is a plus when she is helping couples choose the correct batter and icing for their wedding cakes.
Her talent of being able to "read" people definitely helps her figure out that her neighbor has some connection to a wedding couple's father and grumpy Mrs. Amici next door. This is when the fun begins.
If you want a "sweet" read that has love, family, sharing, and just darn good feelings in it, read THE CAKE THERAPIST.
You won't be disappointed, and you will be running to your nearest bakery to get some sweet treats and perhaps trying to figure out if you are chocolate and raspberry or blueberry and lemon.
The only thing that was a bit confusing was the reason for the flashbacks to the 1940's, but it all comes out in the final chapters that resound with a "yeah" for cake and as Claire says: "The Power Of Cake." Page 248
ENJOY!!! 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2015
Life in New York takes a nosedive for pastry chef Claire “Neely” O’Neil as her marriage collapses. So she decides to pack up and move back to her hometown of Millcreek Valley in Ohio. Neely makes one of her dreams come true – she opens her own bakery, Rainbow Cake, which specializes in wedding cakes.
Flavors and taste are everything to Neely… they lead her to personal discoveries of her customers. Some of these discoveries are deep, dark secrets that some would rather she didn’t reveal. When Neely begins to taste a strange, intense flavor, it leads her to a story from the past. She’s not sure whose story it is, but she knows it effects the present and she must do whatever she can to find out the answers that have been hidden for several decades.
The story is told in two parts – present day and the early 1900’s. Present day is told from Neely’s point of view in the first person. The past is told in third person format. I didn’t realize how the two connected and wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this, but I kept reading and fell in love with the entire story. I absolutely could not put this book down and read it in only two days. I was totally engrossed in the plot and the characters.
Neely is an amazing character. She is a strong character who shows true concern for the people around here – even those she doesn’t really know very well. The secondary characters help to complete this story and bring it to life. The setting is quaint and fits the story very well. The plot has a nice mixture of romance and mystery throughout the storyline.
My one complaint is my overwhelming craving for cake as I read through this book. LOL I see there is a sequel coming up and I plan to be there for when that book is released. It looks to be just as good as this one. Prior to this book, the author wrote cookbooks. I think she’s now found her niche in fiction as well.
Flavors and taste are everything to Neely… they lead her to personal discoveries of her customers. Some of these discoveries are deep, dark secrets that some would rather she didn’t reveal. When Neely begins to taste a strange, intense flavor, it leads her to a story from the past. She’s not sure whose story it is, but she knows it effects the present and she must do whatever she can to find out the answers that have been hidden for several decades.
The story is told in two parts – present day and the early 1900’s. Present day is told from Neely’s point of view in the first person. The past is told in third person format. I didn’t realize how the two connected and wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this, but I kept reading and fell in love with the entire story. I absolutely could not put this book down and read it in only two days. I was totally engrossed in the plot and the characters.
Neely is an amazing character. She is a strong character who shows true concern for the people around here – even those she doesn’t really know very well. The secondary characters help to complete this story and bring it to life. The setting is quaint and fits the story very well. The plot has a nice mixture of romance and mystery throughout the storyline.
My one complaint is my overwhelming craving for cake as I read through this book. LOL I see there is a sequel coming up and I plan to be there for when that book is released. It looks to be just as good as this one. Prior to this book, the author wrote cookbooks. I think she’s now found her niche in fiction as well.
October 10, 2015
First of all I liked Neely. And I liked reading about her struggle to establish herself in a business, on her own, and free from a relationship that would only lead her into another round of disappointment and infidelity. That was one through line that kept my attention. But Fertig did more to keep me interested. The "magical realism" aspect of flavors (very reminiscent of Mistress of Spices) was one. The small town characters with their own struggles was another, and the backstory of the '30's-40's was still one more.
One thing I found disconcerting was the historical fact "dumps" in the flashbacks to those other decades. It was as if she needed to use all the research she'd done into those other years. I also wondered why she chose to use third person in the those flashbacks. I'm not adverse to switching from one pov to another, but I need a reason. And I'm not sure there was one.
I will say that Fertig is a good storyteller, so no matter how picky I've been about research dumping and pov switching, I read the book and enjoyed the time in her story.
One thing I found disconcerting was the historical fact "dumps" in the flashbacks to those other decades. It was as if she needed to use all the research she'd done into those other years. I also wondered why she chose to use third person in the those flashbacks. I'm not adverse to switching from one pov to another, but I need a reason. And I'm not sure there was one.
I will say that Fertig is a good storyteller, so no matter how picky I've been about research dumping and pov switching, I read the book and enjoyed the time in her story.
June 5, 2015
I loved this book!
I could not put it down.
It reminded me of Chocolat and it reminded me of Sarah Addison Allen and I can't give a book a much higher compliment than that.
It's magical realism, which I love, and it has a bit of a mystery. Very fun read. I want her to keep writing lots of books as good as this one :)
I could not put it down.
It reminded me of Chocolat and it reminded me of Sarah Addison Allen and I can't give a book a much higher compliment than that.
It's magical realism, which I love, and it has a bit of a mystery. Very fun read. I want her to keep writing lots of books as good as this one :)
August 27, 2018
I really really really enjoyed this book. Fertig makes you smell the lusciousness and taste the flavors of the baking. I even stopped and made almond/blueberry scones between chapters.
June 8, 2015
Four stars: A lovely book that blends the past and present with delicious cake.
Claire is anxious to see her new bakery. After years in New York City working as a pastry chef, Claire returns home after the demise of her marriage. She is putting everything into her Rainbow Cake Bakery, hoping that her gift for tasting feelings can translate into success. Things are off to a good start, until Claire starts getting an unpleasant taste in her mouth. Something isn't right in Millcreek. When she interacts with her clients and neighbors, Claire is able to uncover bit by bit the history of some of the people and their secrets. Will Claire learn the truth about the long ago story that haunts her?
What I Liked:
*I personally adore a magical realism book that is all about comfort and coziness. The Cake Therapist combines several things that I love from a small town, cozy bakery, delicious and decadent sweet treats, a small town mystery and a sprinkle of magic. This book had me craving cake and cupcakes. If you want a sweet read that is perfect for when you crave something on the light and fluffy side, grab a copy of Cake Therapist. My best advice, don't read this while you are hungry.
*I was surprised at first by the way the book came together. It starts out in the modern day following Claire as she establishes her new bakery. Then you get these flashbacks, the first going back to 1908 and then the subsequent ones are around the WWII era. At first, I found the visits to the past jarring, as I wasn't sure how they related to the story. *However, as the book progressed with each flashback, more details were uncovered, and I soon found myself invested in the story of Olive and Edie. It wasn't exactly clear how these events tied into the story, but patience pays off, and by the end, everything fit, and I was satisfied with the way it all played out. I ended up enjoying the blending of the past with the present. Just be patient while reading this, it will all become clear.
*This book has two plots, one that follows the mystery of the ring and the sisters in the past, and then Claire's story in the future. Claire's journey is one of transformation as she comes home, establishes a bakery and sets out to use her talent of taste and uncovering secrets. I liked watching Claire work her magic, especially when she does wedding cake tastings. By the end, Claire has come a long way, and I liked the new path she set herself on. I am interested to follow up on her journey in the second book.
*I adored Rainbow Cake Bakery. There is something so relaxing and pleasant when reading a book that takes you into the cozy confines of a bakery. I loved reading about all the different cakes, cupcakes and treats that were baked in the bakery. There is lots of detail and description, you can almost taste the treats. Don't read this one while you are hungry or you will find yourself with a huge hankering for something sweet.
*This book has a rather large cast of characters, and I found myself engaged and interested in the different personalities and stories. There are so many interesting side stories from Jett, the young goth baker, to the budding romance between the Professor and Maggie, as well as the interesting romance between Roberta and Thomas. If you like books with lots of small sideline storylines and a big, eclectic cast, immerse yourself into the lives of the folks in Millcreek.
*I am a big fan of magical realism. In this book, Claire has a unique gift for being able to taste flavors when coming into contact with others, and once she opens herself up to the flavors someone is putting off, she can sees glimpses into their past and learns some of their secrets. I thought the whole idea with the magical flavors was fun and unique.
*The ending is a bit fast and abrupt, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but I was a bit perplexed that the book concluded, there were many stories that weren't played out. I was relieved to learn that there is a second book coming, and hopefully there are more in the works. I am anxious to read The Memory of Lemon.
And The Not So Much:
*One thing that I felt held this book back was that it lacked focus. It was as if the story took on too much. While I liked the various characters and their stories, I was a bit disappointed that more of the side stories didn't come to fruition. I felt this book bit off more than it could chew. I think it would have benefitted by not having so many secondary plots and characters, and by bringing more story lines to a close before adding new ones.
*The ending was fast paced in comparison to the rest of the book. It ended a abruptly, and I was left with a few nagging questions. I didn't realize going in that this was the first book in a series. I am relieved that more story is coming as I am anxious to follow up on Maggie, Jett, Ben, Claire's father and more.
*Claire returns home after her marriage falls apart. I was a bit frustrated that there wasn't a bit more depth and detail on her marriage. There are tidbits of information dropped here and there so the reader can piece together a general idea of what happened, but this is one area of the story that needed more depth. It is a big and important part of Claire's journey and I wanted a clearer picture of her life with Luke.
*The one thing that bothered me regarding the story in the past, was that it was never revealed who Edie's attacker was. Was he the one who left the shoe?
The Cake Therapist was a sweet, cozy read that was unique. I liked the magical realism and the way the author blended the past and the present. The Rainbow Bakery with all of its decadent treats makes the book shine. It does have a large cast of characters and many side stories, so if you aren't one that likes multiple points of view and numerous secondary story lines, you might not like this. I personally loved the eclectic cast of characters and their stories. Grab this book with a sweet treat and cozy up for a delightful read. I am anxiously awaiting the second book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Claire is anxious to see her new bakery. After years in New York City working as a pastry chef, Claire returns home after the demise of her marriage. She is putting everything into her Rainbow Cake Bakery, hoping that her gift for tasting feelings can translate into success. Things are off to a good start, until Claire starts getting an unpleasant taste in her mouth. Something isn't right in Millcreek. When she interacts with her clients and neighbors, Claire is able to uncover bit by bit the history of some of the people and their secrets. Will Claire learn the truth about the long ago story that haunts her?
What I Liked:
*I personally adore a magical realism book that is all about comfort and coziness. The Cake Therapist combines several things that I love from a small town, cozy bakery, delicious and decadent sweet treats, a small town mystery and a sprinkle of magic. This book had me craving cake and cupcakes. If you want a sweet read that is perfect for when you crave something on the light and fluffy side, grab a copy of Cake Therapist. My best advice, don't read this while you are hungry.
*I was surprised at first by the way the book came together. It starts out in the modern day following Claire as she establishes her new bakery. Then you get these flashbacks, the first going back to 1908 and then the subsequent ones are around the WWII era. At first, I found the visits to the past jarring, as I wasn't sure how they related to the story. *However, as the book progressed with each flashback, more details were uncovered, and I soon found myself invested in the story of Olive and Edie. It wasn't exactly clear how these events tied into the story, but patience pays off, and by the end, everything fit, and I was satisfied with the way it all played out. I ended up enjoying the blending of the past with the present. Just be patient while reading this, it will all become clear.
*This book has two plots, one that follows the mystery of the ring and the sisters in the past, and then Claire's story in the future. Claire's journey is one of transformation as she comes home, establishes a bakery and sets out to use her talent of taste and uncovering secrets. I liked watching Claire work her magic, especially when she does wedding cake tastings. By the end, Claire has come a long way, and I liked the new path she set herself on. I am interested to follow up on her journey in the second book.
*I adored Rainbow Cake Bakery. There is something so relaxing and pleasant when reading a book that takes you into the cozy confines of a bakery. I loved reading about all the different cakes, cupcakes and treats that were baked in the bakery. There is lots of detail and description, you can almost taste the treats. Don't read this one while you are hungry or you will find yourself with a huge hankering for something sweet.
*This book has a rather large cast of characters, and I found myself engaged and interested in the different personalities and stories. There are so many interesting side stories from Jett, the young goth baker, to the budding romance between the Professor and Maggie, as well as the interesting romance between Roberta and Thomas. If you like books with lots of small sideline storylines and a big, eclectic cast, immerse yourself into the lives of the folks in Millcreek.
*I am a big fan of magical realism. In this book, Claire has a unique gift for being able to taste flavors when coming into contact with others, and once she opens herself up to the flavors someone is putting off, she can sees glimpses into their past and learns some of their secrets. I thought the whole idea with the magical flavors was fun and unique.
*The ending is a bit fast and abrupt, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but I was a bit perplexed that the book concluded, there were many stories that weren't played out. I was relieved to learn that there is a second book coming, and hopefully there are more in the works. I am anxious to read The Memory of Lemon.
And The Not So Much:
*One thing that I felt held this book back was that it lacked focus. It was as if the story took on too much. While I liked the various characters and their stories, I was a bit disappointed that more of the side stories didn't come to fruition. I felt this book bit off more than it could chew. I think it would have benefitted by not having so many secondary plots and characters, and by bringing more story lines to a close before adding new ones.
*The ending was fast paced in comparison to the rest of the book. It ended a abruptly, and I was left with a few nagging questions. I didn't realize going in that this was the first book in a series. I am relieved that more story is coming as I am anxious to follow up on Maggie, Jett, Ben, Claire's father and more.
*Claire returns home after her marriage falls apart. I was a bit frustrated that there wasn't a bit more depth and detail on her marriage. There are tidbits of information dropped here and there so the reader can piece together a general idea of what happened, but this is one area of the story that needed more depth. It is a big and important part of Claire's journey and I wanted a clearer picture of her life with Luke.
*The one thing that bothered me regarding the story in the past, was that it was never revealed who Edie's attacker was. Was he the one who left the shoe?
The Cake Therapist was a sweet, cozy read that was unique. I liked the magical realism and the way the author blended the past and the present. The Rainbow Bakery with all of its decadent treats makes the book shine. It does have a large cast of characters and many side stories, so if you aren't one that likes multiple points of view and numerous secondary story lines, you might not like this. I personally loved the eclectic cast of characters and their stories. Grab this book with a sweet treat and cozy up for a delightful read. I am anxiously awaiting the second book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
May 5, 2021
I was eager to read this book since I have found that I really enjoy other novels featuring magical realism in the past. I really loved how cakes were featured in this novel and the different flavors all meant different things. This book felt very colorful to me with all the colors and flavors to cake - the descriptions really helped parts of the story come alive for me. On the other hand though - some of the character development fell a little short for me and the characters ended up feeling a little two dimensional. I still really enjoyed the book but I felt like it had a bit of untapped potential also. It was an enjoyable story and to be honest really made me want some cake!
July 30, 2022
This story needed a bit more baking powder. It began to go flat half the way through.
July 4, 2015
The cover of the Cake Therapist drew me in like a cupcake to a child with a sweet tooth or better yet a adult like my best friend with a sweet tooth. I read the synposis and being a fan of a book with any mention of food I really knew this book was for me. But I had no idea how unforgetable these characters were in this book that I would soon read would be and how powerful this book still is in my mind and will remain forever in my heart.
Coming home from New York to Millcreek Valley,Ohio, Claire "Neely " O'Neil is trying to escape the clutches of a failing marriage to a football star. She is a talented pastry chef who is opening her new bakery "Rainbow Cake". Neely has a unique talent and for lack of a better way to explain it sensing who someone really is through flavor. I couldn't finish this review without mentioning this quote from the book that I think explains who Neely is and how she sees life it is one of my favorite quotes and something I believe to be true also " Flavor was the way people like me made sense of the world. We knew that there was a flavor that explained you-even to yourself A flavor whose truth you recognized when you tasted it. A flavor that answered the question you didn't know you had."
Neely's dreams are beginning to come true as her bakery is starting to become a success but Neely is fighting her inner demons and trying to make sense of a failing marriage and a absentee father and finding a new way in life with her bakery and a possible new romance. Through taste she discovers hidden secrets and desires of others and she wants desperately wants to unlock a mystery from the past of a unlikely person in her life. Through this she could discover something that can help heal herself and she can discover like her tasty creations just how sweet life can be.
I will be honest I was frustrated while reading the first half of this book trying to understand how all these stories and people connected to each other but in the end it all made sense and the connections seemed like they were right there waiting for me to see all along but personally more frustrating to me. But I also discovered that it was the power of the author, Judith Fertig's writing. With amazing and tantalizing food descriptions that also had me craving Neely's famous "breakfast cupcakes".
I saw Neely not as not only a cake therapist but a cake whisperer or cake psychic someone who can truly connect with some one through food. That and in this book and in real life is how I feel food really feel food is, it is the bond that connects us and keeps us going and to me that's how it was reflected in this book and in real life and the Cake Therapist has become one of my favorites. Tears for sure will fall from your eyes after finishing this book and like me it will sure to become one of your favorites.
Coming home from New York to Millcreek Valley,Ohio, Claire "Neely " O'Neil is trying to escape the clutches of a failing marriage to a football star. She is a talented pastry chef who is opening her new bakery "Rainbow Cake". Neely has a unique talent and for lack of a better way to explain it sensing who someone really is through flavor. I couldn't finish this review without mentioning this quote from the book that I think explains who Neely is and how she sees life it is one of my favorite quotes and something I believe to be true also " Flavor was the way people like me made sense of the world. We knew that there was a flavor that explained you-even to yourself A flavor whose truth you recognized when you tasted it. A flavor that answered the question you didn't know you had."
Neely's dreams are beginning to come true as her bakery is starting to become a success but Neely is fighting her inner demons and trying to make sense of a failing marriage and a absentee father and finding a new way in life with her bakery and a possible new romance. Through taste she discovers hidden secrets and desires of others and she wants desperately wants to unlock a mystery from the past of a unlikely person in her life. Through this she could discover something that can help heal herself and she can discover like her tasty creations just how sweet life can be.
I will be honest I was frustrated while reading the first half of this book trying to understand how all these stories and people connected to each other but in the end it all made sense and the connections seemed like they were right there waiting for me to see all along but personally more frustrating to me. But I also discovered that it was the power of the author, Judith Fertig's writing. With amazing and tantalizing food descriptions that also had me craving Neely's famous "breakfast cupcakes".
I saw Neely not as not only a cake therapist but a cake whisperer or cake psychic someone who can truly connect with some one through food. That and in this book and in real life is how I feel food really feel food is, it is the bond that connects us and keeps us going and to me that's how it was reflected in this book and in real life and the Cake Therapist has become one of my favorites. Tears for sure will fall from your eyes after finishing this book and like me it will sure to become one of your favorites.
October 11, 2015
In a word, "Meh". The best thing about the book is its gorgeous inside and outer cover. Oh, yes, the title, "The Cake Therapist" is pretty inviting too. Instead of the rainbow of colours and flavours that Claire, the main character "tastes" with prescience, the mix here is over layered, over decorated and leaves you wondering what was baking in the first place. Too much. Parallel story lines, switching from past to present, poorly executed. The overpopulated drama in Claire's life includes cheating husbands, alcoholic relatives, stalking, transgender romance issues, badly executed reunions, childhood sweethearts, an eccentric aunt, a shadowy rapist who seemed familiar, a negligent father, rumpled professor love interest, best friend in the old home town and others squeezed around the really enchanting concept of identifying them all by a flavour, a spice which had profound and useful meaning. However, that didn't expand sufficiently to give the novel the charm which its cover, title and book flap promised. Blah.
May 26, 2015
I was intrigued to check this book out. To be honest, I thought that this book would feature a few recipes. Most of the books that I have read that have to do with baking or cooking do feature some recipes. So that is always a fun bonus to a book. This one does not. I wanted to point this out because if you are looking for some than you will be disappointed. Yet, not having any recipes in this book does not defer from the story as a whole.
Yet, I found myself struggling with this book. None of the characters struck an emotional cord with me. Another I did find the way that Claire had a special ability to relate a flavor or two with her clients interesting. Who knew that so many different emotions can emote such yummy combinations of flavors.
Yet, I found myself struggling with this book. None of the characters struck an emotional cord with me. Another I did find the way that Claire had a special ability to relate a flavor or two with her clients interesting. Who knew that so many different emotions can emote such yummy combinations of flavors.
June 27, 2015
Oh man. Shouldn't have judged this book by it's cover. Maybe her next book will be better? A baker returns to her hometown to bake 'magical' wedding cakes in a town that is trying to rebuild their economic future by becoming a one-stop shopping place for brides. Serious potential here, right? Watered down by too many side stories and way too much back story. Far too little magic and seriously too little baking. Come on, with a cover like that we should have had pages and pages of great stuff about flour and vanilla. I'm not giving up on Judith Fertig though because I think there might be something there... maybe next time.
July 27, 2015
I received a review copy
Now I’m all for a good foodie book, which this one definitely turned out to be, but there was another bit of pizzazz in here that I wasn’t expecting but was happy to read about. In the blurb it mentions that Neely can taste feelings, though I wasn’t quite sure what that meant. Turns out she has an ability to be able to read people, to really get a glimpse (almost like visions) into their lives. I absolutely loved that and it pushed the book from like to love for me. I am all for some magical realism in my reading. Top that with terrific writing, delicious chapters, and plenty of food for thought with Neely’s personal situation, and this was a recipe for success.
Now I’m all for a good foodie book, which this one definitely turned out to be, but there was another bit of pizzazz in here that I wasn’t expecting but was happy to read about. In the blurb it mentions that Neely can taste feelings, though I wasn’t quite sure what that meant. Turns out she has an ability to be able to read people, to really get a glimpse (almost like visions) into their lives. I absolutely loved that and it pushed the book from like to love for me. I am all for some magical realism in my reading. Top that with terrific writing, delicious chapters, and plenty of food for thought with Neely’s personal situation, and this was a recipe for success.
July 4, 2015
Mouthwatering pastry and dessert descriptions; I think I gained 3 pounds just reading them. This was a little more serious than I was led to believe by the cover but generally a good read with a touch of magical realism.
March 22, 2015
Received ARC from Penguin. "People and places can be made up of layers, stories with lingering consequences that gives shape to lives, loves, and secrets." What a great way to describe this book.
June 12, 2015
A debut fiction novel written by an award-winning cookbook writer? Of course, this is going to be good! Warning up front: Do Not Read When You Are Hungry! Or do, the choice is yours. Judith Fertig’s debut novel knocked me completely off my feet. I started reading and was one hundred pages in before I even realized it. Fertig showers us with the story of Claire O’Neil Davis who comes back to her hometown, Millcreek Valley, in order to fulfill her dream of owning her own bakery. Claire has the unique talent of being able to “read” people extremely well and even attempts to match their mood/inner feelings to a particular flavor of her delicious cake batters. Claire now has her dream shop, Rainbow Cake, and is setup in the perfect town because of its reputation for a popular bridal destination. Claire has luck reading other people’s feelings, but now she just needs to be able to read her own.
This book felt like a warm cup of hot chocolate and nestling in a blanket by the fire. I know that is not really the image you want to conjure in the middle of June, but the book was just that magical and that relaxing. Claire’s cakes sounded to die for and her ability to reach out to the people around her was just as exceptional. The Cake Therapist combines several things that I LOVE in a book: magical realism, a cozy bakery feel, miraculous sweet and savory concoctions, and a small town mystery. The novel spans the past and the present with a dual point of view and it is in this part of the book where mystery evolves. It is not often that I find a book that just keeps me entranced all the way through. I had to stop and pause at many of the eloquent lines written throughout this book. Good news is that Judith Fertig is already working on her next novel!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Berkley Trade in exchange for my honest review***
This book felt like a warm cup of hot chocolate and nestling in a blanket by the fire. I know that is not really the image you want to conjure in the middle of June, but the book was just that magical and that relaxing. Claire’s cakes sounded to die for and her ability to reach out to the people around her was just as exceptional. The Cake Therapist combines several things that I LOVE in a book: magical realism, a cozy bakery feel, miraculous sweet and savory concoctions, and a small town mystery. The novel spans the past and the present with a dual point of view and it is in this part of the book where mystery evolves. It is not often that I find a book that just keeps me entranced all the way through. I had to stop and pause at many of the eloquent lines written throughout this book. Good news is that Judith Fertig is already working on her next novel!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Berkley Trade in exchange for my honest review***
December 6, 2018
A three-star book if I ever met one. Delicious cake writing, an interesting gift of sensing people’s emotions and giving them the flavors they need, and a kind protagonist lady who gave me a look into how the nice Catholic girls of the past, now grown up, deal with the confusing parts of modern life, such as gays, transsexuals, and goths. Kindness, tolerance, gentleness, grace, looking for the best in people, and overlooking what you don’t approve of.
Other than those things, this book doesn’t offer much that’s new. A very typical romance plot, some token “different” characters, and an old town conflict being resolved, which is sort of interesting, but not extremely. This is a close readalike to A Vintage Affair: a plucky thirty-two-year-old woman who isn’t a misanthrope quits her old life, leaves her old man, and opens a small business, plunging into her work to distract herself from her pain. She befriends a teenage girl who works for her, and an old lady, while also having a close relationship with her mother. A story from the past, a buried pain, starts to resurface. In the end, two old women, long-separated and dear to each other, are reunited, and the healing is begun. The protagonist finally ends things for good with her ex, but kindly and maturely. It’s bittersweet. But she’s begun a new relationship with a man who’s better for her.
Yep, this is pretty much an American, slightly magically-realistic Vintage Affair. That may be just what someone is looking for. But I’m more interested in the cakes! I understand the author has also written cookbooks, and I think I’ll look them up.
Other than those things, this book doesn’t offer much that’s new. A very typical romance plot, some token “different” characters, and an old town conflict being resolved, which is sort of interesting, but not extremely. This is a close readalike to A Vintage Affair: a plucky thirty-two-year-old woman who isn’t a misanthrope quits her old life, leaves her old man, and opens a small business, plunging into her work to distract herself from her pain. She befriends a teenage girl who works for her, and an old lady, while also having a close relationship with her mother. A story from the past, a buried pain, starts to resurface. In the end, two old women, long-separated and dear to each other, are reunited, and the healing is begun. The protagonist finally ends things for good with her ex, but kindly and maturely. It’s bittersweet. But she’s begun a new relationship with a man who’s better for her.
Yep, this is pretty much an American, slightly magically-realistic Vintage Affair. That may be just what someone is looking for. But I’m more interested in the cakes! I understand the author has also written cookbooks, and I think I’ll look them up.
July 23, 2015
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, everything I saw about it made it sound so good. I thought it would be a perfect read for my Foodie reads challenge. The main character, Neely, leaves her football player husband in New York to go home to Ohio to open her dream bakery. There she encounters some old friends. Neely is intuitive about people and sees them as flavors. If she can get their stories, she can intuit what type of cake would be best for their wedding, party, etc. Its an interesting premise but beyond being intrigued by her special "gift," I didn't get sucked into the story. There is also another story that starts before Pearl Harbor and the author goes back and forth between the present and the past. I think part of the problem is that I kept reading because I wanted to see how everything worked out, the problem was, everything didn't work out, there really was no ending because there is going to be another book following the same characters. I expect this when I read Alex Cross, Lucas Davenport, etc. series, it's not unusual to have a cliff hanger, but I wasn't expecting a series ending here and it wasn't a cliffhanger, just a period, it was over. Just wasn't a satisfying read for me. I'm not sure I care enough about the characters to read a second book about them, even to find out how it all turns out!
July 4, 2015
The Cake Therapist by Judith Fertig is a great novel. And I am not just saying that because Judith Fertig is from Kansas City! This is her first novel although she has written several nonfiction books. I just perused Kansas City Gold (1991) tonight, but I digress.
This was somewhat of a magical book because Clare (Neely) O'Neil, the Cake Therapist of the book, could "taste" feelings. She would know what was going on in a customer's life. She could taste a flavor which would give her insight into that person's life. A really nifty skill for a baker!
There were two totally different stories told in different chapters that converged in the end. I didn't find this distracting. I knew they would come together in the end!
This book had me in the beginning. I loved the characters. I loved this culinary fiction. There was a preview of Judith Fertig's next book at the end of this book. The next one is the Memory of Lemon. Can't wait!
Her rainbow cake, shown on the cover and that she baked throughout the book would be a perfect cake to bake with the recent Supreme Court decision.
This was somewhat of a magical book because Clare (Neely) O'Neil, the Cake Therapist of the book, could "taste" feelings. She would know what was going on in a customer's life. She could taste a flavor which would give her insight into that person's life. A really nifty skill for a baker!
There were two totally different stories told in different chapters that converged in the end. I didn't find this distracting. I knew they would come together in the end!
This book had me in the beginning. I loved the characters. I loved this culinary fiction. There was a preview of Judith Fertig's next book at the end of this book. The next one is the Memory of Lemon. Can't wait!
Her rainbow cake, shown on the cover and that she baked throughout the book would be a perfect cake to bake with the recent Supreme Court decision.
May 21, 2015
In this gem of a book, Fertig serves up a multi-layered story of family and love, lost and found. The tale flows at a deliberate pace, as to not get bogged down in any one part of the narrative, but slowly enough to savor the emotional healing. A touch of magical realism gives the book an additional intriguing facet.
Claire “Neely” O’Neil comes back to her hometown after her marriage to her football-star husband crumbles. She opens up a bakery specializing in wedding cakes and other delicious pastries. Neely can feel the sorrows and joy of those who visit her, and can use cake flavors to help them heal, but Neely must also learn how to heal herself. The tale of a ring traveling through the years brings all of the stories together. (BERKLEY, Jun., 304 pp., $16.00)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Claire “Neely” O’Neil comes back to her hometown after her marriage to her football-star husband crumbles. She opens up a bakery specializing in wedding cakes and other delicious pastries. Neely can feel the sorrows and joy of those who visit her, and can use cake flavors to help them heal, but Neely must also learn how to heal herself. The tale of a ring traveling through the years brings all of the stories together. (BERKLEY, Jun., 304 pp., $16.00)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
August 8, 2015
In the beginning of the novel was so delightful reading the exquisite rainbow cakes and other delicious pasties. A mystery twist is to unfold the story, with the secrets and family dilemmas from the past. Neely O'Neil decides to move to a small town, Millcreek, to follow her passion and take great risk to believe in her dream, to become a successful business owner of her bakery. Her wonderful pasties bring families closer with every slice of heaven.
***ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for my 100% honest opinion.
***ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for my 100% honest opinion.
March 22, 2015
Just what I was looking for in a book. Easy read that kept me enthralled. Was fun to figure out the connections with the one surprise at the end. I did yearn for cake while reading the book or her other sweet confections described. Hoping for more books since there are some story lines that weren't tied up.
July 18, 2015
Picked it up at the library on a whim.
Fun read!
Made me want to go to the baker.
Fun read!
Made me want to go to the baker.
June 18, 2017
Neely is struggling since she's separated from her famous football-star husband. A pastry chef, she opens a bakery in her hometown. Her treats are so delicious! She has scheduled wedding cake tastings in her home. When Neely eats foods, she can see into people's lives. She can get a glimpse of what may be bothering a person, sensing if they have secrets.
Sometimes her sightings can bring strength to couples who are about to get married. Some of these cake tastings proved shocking, just letting you know if you should decide to read the book.
What I liked most about this book was the descriptions of the bakery and the sweets. The tastes of orange, salt, sugar, chocolate... You can almost taste these delicious flavors - they are described so well in this book.
This novel has two stories, one in the past and Neely's story which is present day. The stories intersect in a unique and very surprising way!
Sometimes her sightings can bring strength to couples who are about to get married. Some of these cake tastings proved shocking, just letting you know if you should decide to read the book.
What I liked most about this book was the descriptions of the bakery and the sweets. The tastes of orange, salt, sugar, chocolate... You can almost taste these delicious flavors - they are described so well in this book.
This novel has two stories, one in the past and Neely's story which is present day. The stories intersect in a unique and very surprising way!
July 9, 2018
Meh... luckily I wasn’t expecting too much from this, so I wasn’t disappointed. I listened to most of it while doing stuff around the house over the weekend and it worked. It kept me interested enough and was a book I could listen to while multi-taking because I knew I wouldn’t miss much.
I didn’t think it was very well written. I think the book wanted to be deep and deal with big emotional issues, but it wasn’t and it didn’t. The characters weren’t developed enough for me to really have much sympathy for them or care what happened to them. I don’t feel like I got to know any of those characters at all, therefore wasn’t on the emotional ride with them in the slightest bit. I won’t be recommending this to my friends.
I didn’t think it was very well written. I think the book wanted to be deep and deal with big emotional issues, but it wasn’t and it didn’t. The characters weren’t developed enough for me to really have much sympathy for them or care what happened to them. I don’t feel like I got to know any of those characters at all, therefore wasn’t on the emotional ride with them in the slightest bit. I won’t be recommending this to my friends.
August 31, 2018
Holy hell, I forgot to write a review😳.
And I loved this book, that's the worst part!
It's so colorful and interesting, with just a hint of mystery- but not too much because we know I don't do mysteries. I loved Neely and her voice. I love the quirkiness to the story. "Cinnamon makes you remember", something so true but never thought about until I read this book. I'd like to have a little sheet of what all the flavors mean to her.
And I'm SUPER excited to see there's a sequel. That's always the best when you don't quite have to say goodbye yet.
I'm returning my copy to its rightful owner but I'm definitely in the market to put a more permanent copy on my own shelves😍🍰🍋🍊🍓🍒🍫
And I loved this book, that's the worst part!
It's so colorful and interesting, with just a hint of mystery- but not too much because we know I don't do mysteries. I loved Neely and her voice. I love the quirkiness to the story. "Cinnamon makes you remember", something so true but never thought about until I read this book. I'd like to have a little sheet of what all the flavors mean to her.
And I'm SUPER excited to see there's a sequel. That's always the best when you don't quite have to say goodbye yet.
I'm returning my copy to its rightful owner but I'm definitely in the market to put a more permanent copy on my own shelves😍🍰🍋🍊🍓🍒🍫
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