Judith M. Fertig

I had never read this author before and discovered about 10 pages in that this story is the second in a series. I was prepared to struggle with following the characters, but soon found that the author wrote the book in such a way that this is a great standalone book. I was completely charmed by the narrative device of tracing Neely's especially gifted sense of smell/emotionality through stories of individuals from the past few hundred years in the same geographical area as Neely. The author show more was skillful in how she wove these vignettes into the current storyline, and I honestly enjoyed reading about these individuals more than I did about Neely. While you may be tempted to treat this as a fast light read, you'll want to slow down and take your time with this one. show less

Neely Davis owns a bakery called Rainbow Cakes. She has a highly developed, rather magical, sense that allows her to read people by “tasting” their emotions. This is a valuable talent to have when you’re a baker and an entrepreneur. Neely’s story is intertwined with Lydia’s, whose wedding she’s planning. Lydia’s desire for an Appalachian-style wedding in her grandmother’s cabin in Kentucky coincides with Neely’s growing connection with her father who walked out on her and show more her mother years ago and her relationship with her grandmother who resides in a nursing home, living in the past, more than the present. Judith Fertig’s The Memory of Lemon is not necessarily a “foodie” book, although if you like your books sprinkled with references to flavors and tastes, you won’t be disappointed. Ultimately, this was not my kind of book. I think the author tried to cover too much ground, particularly with Neely, her father, his Vietnam experience and its aftermath. I would have liked more of that and gladly done without the drama of Luke (Neely’s soon-to-be ex) and Neely, which I think added nothing to the story at all. In fact, it took away from its depth. show less

As a person who has baked a lot of cakes, this book was quite an adventure. First book I've read of Judith Fertig's.
Loved "Neely" and the story of flavors of people in cakes made. Mystery, life's adventures, and loved how two sisters found each other again after years of separation.
Jett was quite different and Claire "Neely" hired her because of her talent. People can be so different than it seems on outside. Underneath may be a hidden talent.
I want to read more books by Judith Ferig. I show more could taste the delightful flavors she described. show less

I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review.

Like a cake, this story has many layers. The bottom layer, has Claire O’Neil returning to her home town to open a bakery. This is something she has yearned for. And the town of Millcreek Valley is the perfect location. Millcreek Valley has become the destination location for weddings, and with her special talent, Claire ‘Neely’ O’Neil thinks she will succeed. Her talent, flavors. She sees people and their emotions as show more flavors. When she can identify the perfect flavor for a client, she can create the perfect wedding cake for them.

The next layer is Neely’s personal life. She has to be able to make the break from her philandering husband, and just maybe find her way to the man who has loved her for many years.

And the top layer is about a ring. This ring has its own story that is told with flashbacks that meander throughout the book.

This wonderfully delicious book is part romance, part mystery, and part history. And put together, it is simply sumptuous. show less