The Memory of Lemon: A Novel by Judith Fertig

The Memory of Lemon: A Novel.  Judith Fertig. Penguin Group (USA). June 2016. 304 pp.  ISBN#: 9780425277959.

Clare “Neely” Davis is back in this second novel (stand-alone) with her delightful gift of sensing flavors of taste that match people’s predominant emotions.  They flow freely and easily most of the time but not in this particular story as she attempts to plan a wedding cake for a mother and daughter at loggerheads over the final decision.  The mother used to be poor and struggling but married a man with drive who created a business that has made them rich; Mrs. Stidham is determined never to return to that hard, cold place and so her daughter, Lydia’s desire for a Kentucky hillbilly wedding is perceived by the mother as horrific. 

Neely knows there’s no happy in-between place here so decides to travel to Kentucky to see what she can sense there that can fill the gap for a wedding to please mother and daughter.  The story then begins to flip back and forth between the past and present, albeit with too many confusing characters, as we enter another story that has shaped many lives but also been a source of healing that might just be connected to Neely’s past as well.

Another story develops in a very graceful way that adds mystique and compassion to the story, that of Neely’s father, who had turned to drink and desertion after the Vietnam War and is now facing his own demons through the help of the Veterans Hospital.  It’s a potent and poignant tale he gradually reveals through letters to Neely and she in turn must learn to deal with her own memories.  Forgiveness isn’t easy but must be attempted by those who mature.

Add another level of conflict with Neely’s problems divorcing her ex-husband who seems to enjoy the hold he has over her due to their pre-nuptial agreement.  She could lose everything she has built in her business and so must deal with this annoying reality oh so carefully.  At the same time her attraction to another man, Ben, just be put on hold until Neely is fully divorced.  The question is whether or not Ben will wait for that finale.

All in all, The Memory of Lemon… is a very nice read.  Delightful and definitely recommended!

The Cake Therapist: A Novel by Judith Fertig

The Cake Therapist: A Novel.  Judith Fertig. Penguin Group (USA). June 2015. 304 pp.  ISBN#: 9780425277324.

An old Chinese teaching says that flavors match moods or emotions!  So Claire “Neely” O’Neil discovers on opening her bakery in Millcreek Valley, Ohio that she can put this skill to use with her customers.  Imagine preparing a wedding celebration for a couple and picking up moods of memories, tension, anger, and more and imagine you can create the perfectly beautiful and tasty cupcake or wedding cake to meet that need.  Neely is a very talented pastry chef who has a magical crew who create looks and tastes that the town is quickly drooling over and ordering by the dozens.  But the work is exhausting and situations quickly arise that bring both tension and crises to the town which involve family, friends and acquaintances at the most unexpected and usually awkward moments!

First and foremost are the messages Neely’s husband keeps leaving, even though they are separated.  What is about him that Neely is drawn toward in spite of knowing he is the most selfish, unfaithful man anyone could wind up with, a guaranteed disaster in spite of his sexy charm that he lays on everyone with whom he comes in contact!

And what’s with the nasty lady and her drunk daughter who will create a stormy scene later on in the story that is replete with secrets, hurt, and abandonment going back all the way to World War II?

Add to the motley crew a Goth gal whose boyfriend or ex-boyfriend beats her up but who can create the most gorgeous designs on everything in the bakery and who only lets Neely see her hurt side.

The descriptions this author presents of these confectionary delights are mouth-wateringly tempting, making the reader run out to the best bakery in his or her locale to find something equivalent to relish slowly.  Sheer rapture!  This is a talented writer who can titillate one’s senses and at the same time create a mystery that unfolds gradually but with enough zip to keep the reader fascinated.

The Cake Therapist… is a great read that should be on every reader’s list of summer fiction to enjoy at the beach, mountains, in one’s yard in a comfy chair or just about anywhere, any time!  Delightful and highly recommended!