Review: Vanity Fare

Title: Vanity Fare
Author: Megan Caldwell
Series: n/a

Summary: Molly Hagan is overwhelmed.

Her husband left her for a younger, blonder woman; her six-year-old son is questioning her authority, and now so is she. In order to pay her Brooklyn rent and keep her son supplied with Pokémon and Legos, not to mention food and clothing, she has to get a job—fast.

So when an old friend offers Molly a freelance position copywriting for a new bakery, finding romance is just about the last thing on her mind. But the sexy British pastry chef who’s heading up the bakery has other thoughts. And then so does Molly, when she meets the chef’s intimidating business partner—who also happens to have a secret that might prevent Molly from getting her own happily ever after.

My Thoughts: After finishing Vanity Fare by Megan Caldwell, my only thought was, “loved it!” Yup. That was it. But, I suppose, that’s not sufficient for a review, now, is it? I mean, why did I love it? What is so great about this book? Why do I think you should definitely read this?

Well … let me think for a minute.

Still thinking …

OK, now I’m just playing with ya!

During the course of reading, I couldn’t help but liken this book to just about anything by Jane Austen – especially Pride and Prejudice. We have Simon, the Britt, and Nick, the intimidating one. I couldn’t help but think of the two men our heroine in P&P was drawn to, one of which was a good man and the other not. Oh, and Vanity Fare has animosity between the two men, too. I’m not sure if the (what to me was obvious) parallels (there are more, but I’m not telling what they are) to P&P was on purpose, but fellow P&P loves likely won’t mind. Plus, really, the whole book doesn’t reek of Austen. (And, I suppose, “reek” might not be a good choice of words, as I happen to like Austen. But I digress.) It’s actually quite original. And a lot of fun.

I loved Molly. She cracked me up. She has great wit and is a lot of fun. And she grows. A lot. Her transformation is gradual, impressive, and believable. She has a heart. Despite her issues with her mother, she’s able to put those aside when needed.

Nick is amazing. He sounds hot. His personality is awesome. And he loves kids! As a mom, a man who loves kids is extra-hot! He’s definitely a contender for this year’s Top Boyfriends list! Swoon …

Let’s not forget the food. The descriptions (and names) are clever and enticing. There are a few recipes in the back, too! And they sound, good.

Suffice it to say that I really, really enjoyed this (even though it made me hungry). It’s fun, cute, sweet, and engaging.

Favorite Quotes: There were several that cracked me up, struck a chord, or otherwise were notable. (Caldwell is a fantastic writer.) Here are a couple:

What was it about dedicating your life to another person that made you give up so thoroughly on yourself? Did having a child mean you lost what made you your own person in the first place? ~ page 40

I feel pretty confident saying that most mothers likely can relate to these questions. Lord knows I’ve asked myself something along these lines at least once some point after each of my three children entered the picture. I wouldn’t trade them for the world – or my own identity/person – though.

There I was, Molly Hagan, having dinner with possibly the most beautiful man I’d ever seen outside of a movie screen and I was annoyed. With him. With me for being with him. With him for knowing her, no matter how he’d known her. With the other him for being with her now.

Gah, it was enough to make me wish I were better at geometry, there were so many triangles flying around ~ page 174

I just thought that was a nice example of Molly’s wit. It’s not the best example, but still a good one.

Source: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on TLC Book Tours.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

About the Author: Megan Caldwell grew up in a remote town in New Hampshire where she devoured every book of fiction in her well-read parents’ library. An English literature major at Barnard College with double minors in political science and religion, Megan wrote and edited reviews for a music industry magazine for fifteen years. Eventually, she became editor-in-chief and went on to develop conference programs for the industry. Now she is the community manager for Heroes and Heartbreakers, a romance novel website, where she blogs daily as Megan Frampton about the fiction she reads. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son.

Find out more about Megan at her website, connect with her on Facebook, follow her onTwitter, and see what she’s pinning on Pinterest.

Tour Info: For the main page for this blog tour, including more reviews of this book on other blogs, visit TLC’s post.
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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own. Any exceptions to this are clearly noted in the appropriate posts.

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