The Ingredients of Us by Jennifer Gold was a wonderful read by a new to me author.
Thoroughly enjoyed this well written story with wonderful recipes mixed in that go wonderfully with the story and make your mouth water at the same time. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

As a pastry chef in another life I was happy to find recipes woven into this delight of a debut novel by Jennifer Gold. I enjoyed the way the time line skipped back and forth and forth again while telling the story of Elle and Tom. It was a very unique approach and I felt it easier to get a sense of the love story between them. I also enjoyed how realistic and authentic the relationship felt between Elle and Tom, her mother (and father) as well as her friend and business partner Bonnie and husband Charlie felt as the story unfolded.
I would like to thank the author, Net Gallery and Lake Union publishers for the opportunity to read an Arc of The Ingredients Of Us. I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Gold.

I love a book that isn’t afraid to have a flawed heroine. Elle owns a successful bakery, but her personal life is a mess. The book jumps back and forth between the early years of her relationship with her husband and the time following a major turning point in their relationship. The time shifts allow the reader to see that Elle initially holds herself blameless in how things have worked out, when in fact, there is a lot more to the problem than she realizes. The author uses the secondary characters well, as their interactions with Elle also add to her self-discovery. I like the use of the recipes as Elle’s inner monologues and look forward to trying some of the treats out myself. Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author for a digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet story (with lots of delicious baking recipes included!). Gold writes an easy page-turner that is both light and endearing. It was easy to root for her main character and fall in love with her story. I would definitely read more by this author!

The story of Elle and Tom, their marriage and lives before and after their marriage pulled me in right away and made me want to know more about them. I eagerly read chapter after chapter of their lives, before Elle knew, after Elle knew and way before she knew.

Her steadfast friend, employee and co-owner Bonnie and her husband Charlie were just as important to the story and easily as likable as Elle and Tom. I loved this story and waited impatiently, wondering how things would turn out.

Did I say I waited impatiently? Well, true, but when I wasn't waiting, I was longing to have a friend that was a baker who would make me all of the delicious sounding recipes in this book! My baker friend never showed up though and I think this author should supply one because damn, these recipes? AMAZING.

The entire book is wrapped up in wonderfully descriptive prose interspersed with those drool-worthy recipes and soon I found myself wanting to know more about Elle and Tom, but wait! Then I wanted more recipes to sigh over. Gosh dang it! Talk about a conundrum. Finish the book or bake? I'm not a baker so I opted to finish without the deliciously enticing treats described within, but I am having cheesecake today, sort of as a consolation prize.

I greatly appreciate having been approved for an ARC at my request. Thanks to the author, Ms. Gold, the publisher Lake Union and Netgalley. My thoughts in this hungry-making review are my own, but suffice it to say that I will be lining up for Ms. Gold's next book and I have already pre-purchased this book as a gift for a friend who loves to bake.

This story was thoughtful and presented in an interesting timeline. Elle is a successful baker who finds out her husband has not been faithful. The story weaves from present to past telling the love story of Elle and Tom. As the story unfolds, I love how Jennifer Gold creatively infuses personalities and emotions into the baked creations Ells creates. Throughout the story are the themes of love and friendship. What stood our to me most was how accurately Gold writes about the critical inner-voice we all have. I found the conclusion to be unexpected and enjoyable.