Bread Alone

Feel good book that kept me engaged. Actual recipes for baked goods throughout book as well!

I wasn't sure what to expect with "Bread Alone." Was it going to be a funny romantic romp? A serious character study? A slow-moving read? No, it was just a delightful story, pleasant to read, satisfying to finish. I actually kind of miss the character of Wynter, now that I've finished the book and have moved on to another one. I really enjoyed the friendship she has with CM; I thought it was a very realistic portrayal of adult female friendships. I was frustrated with every scene in which David made an appearance. In short, I felt I was learning and growing along with Wynter as she matured through the course of the story. It is a fantastic book. I cannot wait for Hendricks' next novel to become available in paperback. If you're looking for a light, frothy novel, with stereotypical characters and predictable plotlines, this is not for you. It's better than that. If you want to learn more about a wonderful character, and maybe a little bit about baking bread, this is a wonderful choice.

This book is a warm, wonderful slice of life. The characters are people I'd like to spend time with. There are so many stories out there of women who have been "done wrong" by a man (and I've read them all!), but something about this book touched me deeply. I envy Wynter's courage in moving on and making a great new life for herself - even though she was as uncertain about her decisions as the rest of us are about ours. The descriptions of the bread made my mouth water and made me want to be Wyn's friend - and a lucky recipient of some of her bread experiments. I cannot recommend this book highly enough if you're looking for a book to truly lose yourself in. It left me wanting more!

Wyn Morrison is feisty, funny and at-large. This is a woman who's strong and vulnerable, witty and morose, self-aware and clueless. In other words -real! Judith Hendricks has set her down in a vivid landscape with a cast of characters that ring true with every word. People that you'll recognize (but no stock characters these - distinct and conflicted with secrets of their own) and the ones you've never met, you kinda wish you had (well, maybe with the exception of Linda, Wyn's belligerent, cantankerous co-worker).She explores the prism of relationships from familial to romantic to platonic to collegial with honesty and wit. But Hendricks is not only witty, she's plenty smart, too. I learned about the art of baking (besides all the tempting recipes), Seattle (did you know the skyscrapers have nicknames?), music (in a special way you'll have to find out for yourself) and the innards of cars (well, I guess I didn't learn enough on that subject).Her prose is fluid and seamless and when it was over, I wanted more. Judith Hendricks goes on my list of writers whose books I look forward to reading.I enjoyed every bite of Bread Alone.

Judi Hendrick's Bread Alone is a wonderful read. When Wynter is left by her yuppie husband, she travels to Seattle to bunk with a friend and nurse her wounds, but ends up finding a life. Much of the action takes place in a bakery run by an eclectic group of women who throw themselves into their work to heal their hearts. That's story enough for this reader, but Hendricks takes things further by introducing great men who add another layer to the women's lives. What I loved most about this book is that the women's friendships are the core of the story. Hendricks shows us them warts and all, and gives the reader a rich, chewy story to enjoy even after the last page is turned. I look forward to her next book.

I'm glad this little book found me, as I was hungry to read something of quality. Wynter Morrison is a woman adrift. She's been cut loose from her secure mooring by a wayward husband (a jerk of the first water) and she's unsure what comes next. Forced from her home in an upscale LA neighborhood, Wynter finds herself on a plane to Seattle to visit her childhood friend, CM. On her trip, Wynter discovers a small neighborhood bakery complete with an odd cast of characters. When the bottom drops out from her LA world, she relocates to Seattle and starts to work at the bakery. The routine of bread making in the middle of the night soothes her and gives her direction. It's been a long time since I've read such a well crafted first novel. I loved the characters...flaws and all...and I loved Hendricks' detailed description of the process of bread making...This is an author to watch...Enjoy!