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Friendship Bread

by Darien Gee (Goodreads Author)

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 3,560 ratings · 844 reviews

In the tradition of Kate Jacobs and Lolly Winston comes a deeply felt, utterly charming novel of three newfound friends and the unexpected gift that will change their lives.

In the quiet community of Avalon, Illinois, Julia Evarts wonders how to move on with her life. Though her husband and five-year-old daughter give her an abundance of love, Julia still reels from a tra...more

Paperback, 432 pages

Published May 1st 2012 by Ballantine Books (first published 2011)

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Mar 14, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, food, first-reads

***Please note: This book was received as a free ARC copy. Obtained through the Goodreads First Reads program***

This book was entirely charming and definitely one of those feel good types of books. While its probably not a classic or masterpiece, in its own way its just as good as any of those types of books. Maybe I'm biased because I love food and heartwarming stories, but I think this book rates five stars easily. For those not familiar with Friendship Bread, it is a fermented starter that is...more ***Please note: This book was received as a free ARC copy. Obtained through the Goodreads First Reads program***

This book was entirely charming and definitely one of those feel good types of books. While its probably not a classic or masterpiece, in its own way its just as good as any of those types of books. Maybe I'm biased because I love food and heartwarming stories, but I think this book rates five stars easily. For those not familiar with Friendship Bread, it is a fermented starter that is lovingly cared for for 10 days, and then split into four with the owner keeping one to bake and three to give away and keep the starter circulating. If you've ever been the recipient of a starter you know it makes awesome bread, but gets a bit overwhelming at times.

There are many characters and happenings in this book but one thing remains solid; friendship bread is the primary character in this novel. From Julia, who has been in a deep depression ever since her son died to Hannah, a talented cellist who is going through a separation with her husband, friendship bread changes the outlook of each of these women and helps them be strong on their own. They find solace in each other and at Madeline's tea shop, where the kindly Madeline plys them with baked goods and friendship. There is also Edie, who is desperately wanting to report on a good story and who is lukewarm on accepting advances of friendship from Livvy (who happens to be Julia's estranged sister). There are several other characters short stories as well in the novel that are used to show how the friendship bread starter is being passed around town. While the story has much to do about delicious food and the bread itself, it is more wrapped around the people that make the small town so unique.

The characters in this book are wonderfully and all delightfully real. They have their flaws and make mistakes, but they strive to work through them. They just seem very human in a wonderful sort of way. I especially was enchanted with Madeline, the owner of the tea shop, because she seemed like someone I would be friends with and real life and she could cook some fabulous sounding dishes.

The writing was good. I'm not a fan of the tense Gee used but after awhile I was able to ignore it and really get into the story. In fact, I could barely put the book down I enjoyed it so much. It is an easy story to read and filled with emotion, friendship and love. There's nothing offensive in the writing and any age groups would be fine for this novel. The pace is done well in addition and I was glad to see that Gee included an epilogue for the readers to follow up on the story and characters. It was a pleasant surprise.

I'm very pleased that I got a chance to read this book. I would definitely read other books by Gee and will be on the lookout for more works from her. I highly recommend this book; especially to those who love food and cooking books.

Friendship Bread
Copyright 2011
363 pages + recipes and tips

Review by M. Reynard 2011(less)

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Feb 15, 2012 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

One afternoon, Julia Evarts and small daughter, Gracie, come home to find a gift on the front porch: a homemade loaf of Friendship Bread and a simple note: I hope you enjoy it. With the bread is a bag of starter, instructions on how to make the bread, and a request to share it with others.

Julia decides to share the bread starter with two newcomers to town and that begins a friendship that changes lives, theirs and others. This is a wonderful story about friendship, life and loss. More importantl...more

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Feb 25, 2011 Jayne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

What a great book! Ms. Gee does a wonderful job presenting the lives of the people of Avalon and the challenges each person faces. I love how the friendship bread is almost like a 10 step therapy process as it helps and heals.

I received this book from Random House in anticipation of it's April release. My full review as seen on MoanaSaves.com is copied below.

(http://www.moanasaves.com/2011/03/fri...)
Have you heard of (or tasted) Amish Friendship Bread? The cinnamon bread/cake is made from a sou...more What a great book! Ms. Gee does a wonderful job presenting the lives of the people of Avalon and the challenges each person faces. I love how the friendship bread is almost like a 10 step therapy process as it helps and heals.

I received this book from Random House in anticipation of it's April release. My full review as seen on MoanaSaves.com is copied below.

(http://www.moanasaves.com/2011/03/fri...)
Have you heard of (or tasted) Amish Friendship Bread? The cinnamon bread/cake is made from a sourdough starter and is often shared with others in a way similar to a chain letter. Darien Gee's new novel entitled Friendship Bread tells the story of Julia Evarts and how one simple loaf of bread changed her life and eventually the lives of those in her community.

I'm a pleasure reader when it comes to books. Every now and then I find a really good book and reading it is like a good chat with an old friend. This book hits that nail on the head! Here are a few of the reasons I enjoyed this book:
* The book is "Dedicated to the Mothers." I love this! I related to so many parts of this story. As a wife and mother I laughed and cried right along with the female characters.
* The story is current and personal with references to the economy and local natural disasters. Regardless of where you call home we can all relate to job layoffs or ill weather that affect us or our loved ones.
* Recipes are included in the back! I've made Amish Friendship Bread but never any of these variations: banana nut, butterscotch, double chocolate, lemon poppy seed, pineapple macadamia nut, pistachio cherry, pumpkin cranberry or zucchini. I especially want to try the Chocolate Caramel Brownies made from the friendship bread starter.
* Friendship bread starter takes 10 days to ferment. While reading the book I liked to compare the 10 day process to an extended therapy session. I knew if one character had a trial and they had also received a bread starter that I could keep reading with confidence and by the time they baked their bread they were well on the road to solving their problems.
* The biggest lesson learned for me while reading this novel was Madeline's words of advice on a particularly bad day. In short, her words were that the unexpected turns make life rich. This is a great reminder to me that when the going gets tough those are the moments that define who I am and who I'm becoming.(less)

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Feb 09, 2011 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, read-in-2011

I'm a fan of this type of novel: group of people are brought together by _______ (usually knitting or food in the books I've read), learn life lessons, etc., so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this one. It had more substance to it than some others, plus the added component of people trying to foist of bags of Amish Friendship Bread starter on unsuspecting neighbors and friends.

*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

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Feb 15, 2011 Librarybarbie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway and I am so happy I did. I loved it!

Friendship Bread was an absolute delight to read. Having grown up in a small town, the atmosphere captured on the page was so realistic. From the descriptions of the attitudes towards those new to the town complete to the feelings of never wanting to leave because you are a part of something bigger.

The characters were witty and so well created. There were times you could see there the plot was heading and...more

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Feb 14, 2011 WifeMomKnitter rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the Goodreads.com synopsis:

"One afternoon, Julia Evarts and her five-year-old daughter, Gracie, arrive home to find an unexpected gift on the front porch: a homemade loaf of Amish Friendship Bread and a simple note: I hope you enjoy it. Also included are a bag of starter, instructions on how to make the bread herself, and a request to share it with others.
Still reeling from a personal tragedy that left her estranged from the sister who was once her best friend, Julia remains at a loss as...more From the Goodreads.com synopsis:

"One afternoon, Julia Evarts and her five-year-old daughter, Gracie, arrive home to find an unexpected gift on the front porch: a homemade loaf of Amish Friendship Bread and a simple note: I hope you enjoy it. Also included are a bag of starter, instructions on how to make the bread herself, and a request to share it with others.
Still reeling from a personal tragedy that left her estranged from the sister who was once her best friend, Julia remains at a loss as to how to move on with her life. She’d just as soon toss the anonymous gift, but to make Gracie happy, she agrees to bake the bread.
When Julia meets two newcomers to the small town of Avalon, Illinois, she sparks a connection by offering them her extra bread starter. Widow Madeline Davis is laboring to keep her tea salon afloat while Hannah Wang de Brisay, a famed concert cellist, is at a crossroads, her career and marriage having come to an abrupt end. In the warm kitchen of Madeline’s tea salon, the three women forge a friendship that will change their lives forever.
In no time, everyone in Avalon is baking Amish Friendship Bread. But even as the town unites for a benevolent cause and Julia becomes ever closer to her new friends, she realizes the profound necessity of confronting the painful past she shares with her sister.
About life and loss, friendship and community, food and family, Friendship Bread tells the uplifting story of what endures when even the unthinkable happens."

I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Edition through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. When I found out I won it, I literally jumped up and down with joy. No, really. I did!

The book mainly focuses on the friendship that develops between Julia, Madeline and Hannah as they work through the issues that each one is dealing with and how they help and support each other.

I absolutely loved this book and, I have to admit, had a little bit of trouble putting it down at night. The story had a good flow to it and the characters were all well-rounded. I liked how the author introduced various Avalonians throughout the book. The other thing that I thought was really cool was how the book truly came full circle. When you read the book, you'll know what I mean. ;-)

The instructions for the Amish Friendship Bread which, let's face it, was the real star of this book, are included in the back of the book along with variations on the original recipe.

If you like the writing styles of Kristen Hannah, Luanne Rice, Jane Green, and Kate Jacobs, you'll love this book as much as I did.
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Mar 31, 2011 Tenna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

I was SO glad to recieve this book as part of first reads give away. I could not put it down...to the point where I was sneaking reads inbetween client appointments.

I've mentioned it before but I think a book's success is determined by it's character development. If that is any indication, Friendship Bread should quickly become a best seller. The development was so well done that the reader quickly becomes part of the book and invested in the lives of these characters.

I also loved the unique w...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Tami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: goodreads-giveaways, 2011

Just received notice I have won! Can't wait to receive.
Received this yesterday and finished my last book last night, so plan to start this today. I am so excited! 2/15/11

Another book I wish we could give half stars. I really enjoyed it, but I am not sure I feel it is such a great book that it should get 5, so 4 1/2. I loved how the story went along, I loved the characters, except Julia, and now I want(almost) to create a start. I loved the portrayal of a small time town with such a diverse popu...more

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Nov 24, 2011 Cortney rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

Thanks Goodreads for choosing me to get this book! I just got it in the mail yesterday and am hoping to dig in this weekend! Thank you!

This was a good book, I really enjoyed reading it...kept it at work and just read a chapter here and there so it was easy to follow. It is about a small town that got to know each other and their trials and tribulations through the simple task of making amish friendship bread and sharing with others...through that, many friendships and relationships were develop...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Tugcenin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

www.tugceninkitapligi.com

Darien Gee’nin Arkadya Yayınları’ndan Şubat ayında çıkan kitabı Dostluk Ekmeği (Friendship Bread), aile, arkadaşık, kaybetme ve bir kendini bulma üzerine, etkileyici ve yürekleri ısıtan bir hikaye.

Julia Evarts, Şikago’dan sadece doksan dakika uzaklıktaki Avalon’da, büyüdüğü kasabada yaşamaktadır. Beş yıl önce yaşadığı trajik bir olay sonucunda, kendi dünyasına kapanmış ve evden bile pek çıkmaz olmuştur; arkadaşlarını ve komşularını tamamen hayatının dışına itmiştir. Yaşa...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Duygu rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Arkadya Yayınları’ndan çıkmış olan Darien Gee’nin Dostluk Ekmeği kitabını okumuş ve şu an itibariyle bitirmiş bulunmaktayım . Kitaba başlayalı bir haftayı geçmişti ama bu kitapla alakalı bir geçkinlik değil , bugünler de benım biraz yoğun olmamdan kaynaklandı .

Öncelikle şunu diyebilirim ki ; kitabın konusuna bakmadan sırf kapağı için bile alınabilecek bir kitaptı benim için .Cidden çok güzel bir kapak tasarımı olmuş , gerek dış kapak , gerekse iç kapak tasarımı , sayfa kalitesi ve yazı puntosu d...more Arkadya Yayınları’ndan çıkmış olan Darien Gee’nin Dostluk Ekmeği kitabını okumuş ve şu an itibariyle bitirmiş bulunmaktayım . Kitaba başlayalı bir haftayı geçmişti ama bu kitapla alakalı bir geçkinlik değil , bugünler de benım biraz yoğun olmamdan kaynaklandı .

Öncelikle şunu diyebilirim ki ; kitabın konusuna bakmadan sırf kapağı için bile alınabilecek bir kitaptı benim için .Cidden çok güzel bir kapak tasarımı olmuş , gerek dış kapak , gerekse iç kapak tasarımı , sayfa kalitesi ve yazı puntosu da benden tam puan aldı , her şeyden önce benim için yazı puntosu çok önemli ( gözlerim açısından ) ayrıca aralarda sembolik işaretler olması , bölüm başlarına gelmeden de okurken ara vermemi sağladı ( sağlıyor ).

Kitabın çevirisi de son derece akıcı ve sade.Kelime hatası bile yok , en azından ben rastlamadım .

Kitabın konusuna gelirsek ; bir gün bir kadının kızıyla birlikte(Julia ve Gracie ) eve geldiklerinde kapının önünde bir ekmek bulmaları ve bunu pişirmeleri sonucunda gelişen olaylar , Julia’nın yaşadığı acı tatlı olaylar , günün birinde Madeline ve Hannah adlı iki kadınla tanışması , bu iki kadınında kendilerine has yaşadıkları acı tatlı olaylar , bu üç kişinin arkadaşlık – dostluk süreçleri , ailevi ilişkiler – bağlar , aşk , yardımseverlik vb . konular o kadar güzel ve yalın bir biçimde arada hiçbir kopukluk olmadan anlatılmış ki , sanki kitabı okumuyor da orda ki kişilerle birlikte ben de onlarla o anı paylaşıyordum .

Kitabı okurken, hayatla ilgili çıkarılabilecek çok güzel dipnotlar ve dersler var .Onlardan bir tanesi de ; küçücük bir dilim ekmeği bile paylaşırsanız onun size bir şekilde geri döneceği ; bir arkadaşlık bir dostluk olarak geri dönebileceği ve sevgiyi arttırma da etkin rol oynadığı (oynacağı ) idi .

Bu kitabı kesinlikle tavsiye ediyorum , okuyun ve hatta okutturun .
Ve on üzerinden on bir veriyorum .Bu kitabı bizlerle buluşturduğu içinde “ ARKADYA YAYINLARI’NA “ çok teşekkür ederim .Saygılarımla..

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Aug 05, 2012 Nicole Fowler rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

1. Did you like the book? Why/why not?
I really liked the book. Honestly, I read the prologue and didn't see exactly how it fit in with the book until the epilogue. When it did "click" for me, I cried. All of the main characters were women that I could see myself being friends with.

Darien Gee has a great writing style that is easy to follow despite the intertwining story lines and numerous details about each of the main (and peripheral) characters. It was easy to engage with this book!

2. Do the c...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Nena rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: unfinished

Softcover:

I won this on the free giveaway as an advanced readers publication last year and tried three times to read it. I struggled through each time.

I was not impressed with this author's writing style and since she wrote this book in present tense, I found it awkward. I also felt the "writing voice" was immature and could have been written by a teenager for a teenager. This did not feel like an adult book to me at all. In fact, in my opinion, this should have been on the young adult section...more

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Mar 11, 2012 McGuffy Morris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Friendship Bread is a novel of loss, the connection of friendship and the healing power of sharing.

The characters are uniquely different, yet so typically human. One cannot help but identify with them and their lives, struggles and all. Three women in various stages of life, with its sorrows, come together over tea and Amish Friendship Bread. As their stories unfold, bonds are formed and friendship deepens.

The book begins with Julia finding a loaf of bread on her porch one day. It is left there...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read

Received from Library Thing Early Reviewers Program
Book Releases: 4/19/11

What I Loved: This was a story about the healing power of new friendships. Everyone in this book had something they needed to work through and the friendships they formed helped each one start living a more authentic life for them. The story was not overly sappy but instead it was more like a nice even flow of storytelling and drama. If you have ever seen the movie Valentine's Day, this book is broken down a lot like that....more

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Nov 16, 2011 Brenda Rupp rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book! It came with a box of 20 books that I won and at the time it was issued it was still an advance reader copy. I don't know that there is much difference between this one and the book once it hit the shelves. It was such an enjoyable read! Sliced bread on a pretty plate wrapped with wrap and a bag of starter and the recipe are found on a woman's doorstep. She has no idea where it came from but decides after eating the bread to follow the instructions. You have to knead the start...more I loved this book! It came with a box of 20 books that I won and at the time it was issued it was still an advance reader copy. I don't know that there is much difference between this one and the book once it hit the shelves. It was such an enjoyable read! Sliced bread on a pretty plate wrapped with wrap and a bag of starter and the recipe are found on a woman's doorstep. She has no idea where it came from but decides after eating the bread to follow the instructions. You have to knead the starter and leave it out on your counter and every few days you add things, then you separate it out and make your bread with one part and then pass on three parts to friends. The bread starter takes on a life of it's own, everyone wants some, then they can't find anyone else to give it to, recipe's upon recipe's are developed from it.

The town seems taken over by it. It touches so many lives in such different ways. You get a slice of life view with each person the starter passes on to. The book is one of those that you don't want to put down! I had to keep reading until the very end to figure out where the first plate came from! What a great idea!
Here is the info from the back of the book as found here on Good Reads: An anonymous gift sends a woman on a journey she never could have anticipated.

One afternoon, Julia Evarts and her five-year-old daughter, Gracie, arrive home to find an unexpected gift on the front porch: a homemade loaf of Amish Friendship Bread and a simple note: I hope you enjoy it. Also included are a bag of starter, instructions on how to make the bread herself, and a request to share it with others.

Still reeling from a personal tragedy that left her estranged from the sister who was once her best friend, Julia remains at a loss as to how to move on with her life. She’d just as soon toss the anonymous gift, but to make Gracie happy, she agrees to bake the bread.

When Julia meets two newcomers to the small town of Avalon, Illinois, she sparks a connection by offering them her extra bread starter. Widow Madeline Davis is laboring to keep her tea salon afloat while Hannah Wang de Brisay, a famed concert cellist, is at a crossroads, her career and marriage having come to an abrupt end. In the warm kitchen of Madeline’s tea salon, the three women forge a friendship that will change their lives forever.

In no time, everyone in Avalon is baking Amish Friendship Bread. But even as the town unites for a benevolent cause and Julia becomes ever closer to her new friends, she realizes the profound necessity of confronting the painful past she shares with her sister.

About life and loss, friendship and community, food and family, Friendship Bread tells the uplifting story of what endures when even the unthinkable happens.(less)

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Sep 14, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads

Julia Evarts is struggling to find normalcy after the tragic loss of her son. Daily life is a blurr, her marriage is suffering, and her daughter isn't getting the love and attention she deserves. Julia is floating through her day to day routine, relying on her husband to fill in many of the gaps. Until one afternoon when a simple anonymous handmade loaf of bread starts a series of changes that leads Julia to discover a way to mend her broken heart.

The delicious loaf of bread was accompanied with...more

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Aug 20, 2011 Mommylucy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Once you start this delicious novel, you won't be able to put it down. The inter-woven stories of six women in this small, Illinois town are enough to capture any reader. Each of these interesting women has a story to tell; a story of pain or loss. Through the events of this novel, as the Friendship starter is passed throughout the town, each woman slowly learns to trust another with her heart as she looks to heal and move forward. The emotions are real and there isn't a situation here that ever...more

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Aug 08, 2011 SwensonBooks rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angel, jill

I discovered this new book after my friend Angel brought me a loaf of this delicious sweetbread she had baked herself. When she brought the loaf of bread, she asked if I would be interested in a bag of "starter" to make my own. Because I have an intolerance for wheat and should avoid the sweets, I passed.

I had also heard about this Friendship Bread phenomena and likened it to a chain mail scheme. I just don't do them. Trying to keep bread starter tended for ten days consecutively with everythin...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Charity rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Healing comes from an unexpected gift: friendship bread. The story follows the lives of five women, all at different painful areas of life and all of them struggling alone from the weight of the pain they are going through.

One day, Julia comes home to find a plate with a loaf of bread, and a recipe for friendship bread. Her five-year-old daughter Gracie pleads for her to make the recipe because she wanted her daddy to try some of it. And in 10 days, Julia is left with bags of starter and sends...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Sarah Ford rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book quickly. It was a cozy story, and one that drew me in quickly and flowed easily. If you are looking for an easy girlie book, in the Sophie Kinsella/Jill Mansell (except American) tradition, one that goes well with a rainy day curled up on the couch, then FRIENDSHIP BREAD should fit the bill nicely. There is a sad premise to the story--a family that has been struggling with the loss of child--which I want to put out there in case this would not be a good time to immerse yourself...more

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Jul 15, 2011 Laurie Carlson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-novel, amish-life, amish, baking, beads, neighbors, sharing, fiction, food, charity, fellowship, friendship, recipes, relationships

I first knew about Amish Friendship Bread back in the late 80's, or early 90's. I was a few years out of High School and really into the Amish. My Mother brought home a starter bag of this bread in the form of dough. We left it on the counter and let it ferment, and baked it on the 10 day mark. It was SO delicious! Then, that was it. I didn't hear about it again until lately, since this book came out!
I first saw this book on an online Book Blog. I made the Starter Recipe from there. I went back...more I first knew about Amish Friendship Bread back in the late 80's, or early 90's. I was a few years out of High School and really into the Amish. My Mother brought home a starter bag of this bread in the form of dough. We left it on the counter and let it ferment, and baked it on the 10 day mark. It was SO delicious! Then, that was it. I didn't hear about it again until lately, since this book came out!
I first saw this book on an online Book Blog. I made the Starter Recipe from there. I went back to the site to get the recipe to bake it 10 days later. They were talking more about the book, and then I saw there was an online Social Page about this book as well.
I was HOOKED! I HAD to buy this book! I came to Amazon to purchase it on my Kindle because I couldn't wait to get it!! I HAD to have it NOW! I thought it would be a book full of recipes, but no! It is a novel that takes place in Avalon, Illinois, where 5 different characters/families are involved in giving and receiving the Starter Recipe, a Starter Bag of Dough, and a Loaf of this Amish Friendship Bread. It connects all the characters together with some really neat stories!
My favorite story was about the Police Officer who found a bag of the Starter Mix with one of the characters! He was going to send it to the Lab to have them figure out 'what is this thing?'. I was roaring!
This is the only book I have purchased that takes a recipe about a loaf of bread, and weaves it into a novel! A GREAT novel, at that! SO creative! I was SO surprised when I started reading this book! Here I was, expecting a book FULL of recipes, and it IS a novel! A WONDERFUL heart-warming novel!
In the back of the book there are many different varieties of recipes you can choose from to bake! So the author DOES provide you with some! There is still the Book Blog that has recipes for this bread as well as the Social Networking site still available! I hope they keep that up so we can all continue to share recipes for this bread! I am keeping my starter going! I have handed it out to ALL my friends now, and am looking for MORE recipes so I can continue to use my starters every 10 days! Some of the recipes can be used right away, such as for pancakes!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to people who LOVE to bake! I can't cook well, but I CAN bake! This bread is SO delicious, too!
The story alone is wonderful! You won't be disappointed by this book at all, in fact, you will be SO surprised! Enjoy it!(less)

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Jul 14, 2011 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A young mother, Julie receives a plate of Friendship bread and a bag of starter with the note 'I hope you like it'. She decides to bake the bread when her daughter Gracie delights in the prospect. Julie's oldest son, Josh died 5 years previously from a fatal wasp sting. Her marriage is faltering because she is unable to move past her grief. She stops at a nearby new tea room and ends up becoming friends with Madeline, the owner and a newcomer to the town and Hannah, a young woman who previously...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Some have complained about the tense. She is writing in the literary present, a little out of the norm I guess. I thought the book was ok. Would I read it again? No. Do I have any desire to make this bread? No not really - Seems time consuming and complicated. While I think the whole concept of women coming together, swapping recipes and so forth is a great thing, it's not realistic - at least not here in New Jersey. I have gotten recipes in the mail or in an email as part of a chain letter type...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Cheryl C. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Five years ago, in the little town of Avalon, Illinois, Julie Evarts's world changed forever. Her son Josh died in a tragic accident and not even the birth of her daughter Gracie could help bring her out of the grief and despair that have filled her life since that day. Her husband Mark doesn't know how long he can handle the ever-growing distance between them. A starter bag and a set of instructions for making Amish Friendship Bread mysteriously arrives at their front door. Could this be the ke...more Five years ago, in the little town of Avalon, Illinois, Julie Evarts's world changed forever. Her son Josh died in a tragic accident and not even the birth of her daughter Gracie could help bring her out of the grief and despair that have filled her life since that day. Her husband Mark doesn't know how long he can handle the ever-growing distance between them. A starter bag and a set of instructions for making Amish Friendship Bread mysteriously arrives at their front door. Could this be the key to begin the healing process?

Madeline Davis, now a widow, moves to Avalon and opens a tea salon. Residents in town are wary of newcomers, so business is slow, but she's hoping it picks up soon. While she waits, she has plenty of time to think about the secret she's carried with her all the way to Avalon.

Hannah Wang de Brisay is hesitant when her husband Philippe suggests they buy a house in Avalon to get out of the city. Both classical musicians, Philippe has always been the one to decide how things are going to be, while Hannah is the one who goes along, always unsure of what she really wants. She soon discovers she'll have more than enough time to consider what she wants when her marriage comes to an abrupt and surprising end.

Livvy, Julia's younger sister, is plagued by guilt. She and her husband Tom struggle to make ends meet, knowing they would love to have a child of their own.

Edie is an activist and reporter with the local paper, and friends with Livvy. When Amish Friendship Bread starts appearing all over Avalon, she runs with the little information she has, hoping to create a great story that will get her noticed.

No one in Avalon realizes how that one bag of starter will impact all their lives.

Amazing. Superb. Phenomenal! All those words and more describe Friendship Bread by Darien Gee. There is so much I could say about this novel, and yet, I am hesitant to say too much, because it is one of those books you must experience for yourself.

What Gee has done is taken that sometimes beloved, sometimes despised, infatuation with Friendship Bread and given it a much higher purpose--one that changes the lives of those in an entire community and beyond.

Intertwined with the unfolding stories of our main characters, Gee includes snippets of happenings in the lives of other residents of Avalon, giving the reader a real town feeling, where at the end, she might think she could drive to this town and meet its residents. How Amish Friendship Bread manages to touch people from all walks of life in Avalon from a copy machine technician to a therapist, from a police sergeant to the town librarian, from a pharmacist to a bike shop owner, and more, is inspiring, and proves just how connected we are to each other.

Gee blends a superb cast of diverse characters with a unique plot to come up with an amazing story that will make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you feeling good all over. The perfect book to take on vacation or a long drive, you won't be able to put this one down until you reach the satisfying end.

Friendship Bread might be about love, friendship, loss, and forgiveness, but it is so much more too. It's a book that celebrates coming together for the greater good. It's a book that reminds us of the little things that mean a great deal. It's a book that shows us no matter how lost we get, we can always find our way back. And it's definitely a book you won't want to miss!

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Jun 02, 2011 Drebbles rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

Julia Evarts' life has never been the same since her young son died - her marriage is strained and she no longer talks to her sister Livvy whom she blames for Josh's death. Cellist Hannah (Wang) de Brisay moved to Avalon at her husband's wish - but he's not moving in with her. Madeline Davis was passing through Avalon when she impulsively decided to move there and open "Madeline's Tea Salon". All three women have problems and are at different stages of their lives which seemingly makes for an un...more Julia Evarts' life has never been the same since her young son died - her marriage is strained and she no longer talks to her sister Livvy whom she blames for Josh's death. Cellist Hannah (Wang) de Brisay moved to Avalon at her husband's wish - but he's not moving in with her. Madeline Davis was passing through Avalon when she impulsively decided to move there and open "Madeline's Tea Salon". All three women have problems and are at different stages of their lives which seemingly makes for an unlikely friendship but friends they become, thanks in part, to Amish Friendship Bread.

Set in a small town, "Friendship Bread" is a nice mixture of love, loss, friendship and renewal. Of the three main characters, Julia's storyline is the deepest and saddest. Still grieving five years after her son's death, she has in a way let her own life die as she simply goes through the motions each day (her husband Mark is almost unbelievable as he lets her push him aside and resists the temptations of a coworker). Julia's grief is palpable and readers will wish they could somehow comfort her and will rejoice as she slowly rebuilds her life. Hannah's story is the next strongest as she slowly begins to realize that her marriage is over but she too can rebuild her life and live that life on her own terms. The little tidbits given about her childhood are revealing and it is good to see her too grow as she learns to please herself first and not others. While Madeline's story is the least developed of the three major storylines, hers is one of the most important as she draws the entire town of Avalon together in many ways (including her tea shop).

While Julia, Hannah, and Madeline are the main focus of the book, there are several other interesting characters in the book including Julia's sister Livvy (who blames herself for Josh's death), newspaper writer Edie Gallagher who longs for more in life without realizing she already has all she needs, and Connie Coll who unknowingly plays a large part in having the Amish Friendship Bread bring everyone in Avalon closer together. There are several other characters scattered throughout the book and in general author Darien Gee does an excellent job of portraying small town life. While there is a great deal of sadness in the book (particularly regarding Josh) there is not only the theme of death (for example Josh's death, the death of Julia's relationship with Livvy, the death of Hannah's marriage) but birth (there are several pregnancies, the start of Madeline's tea shop, the start of Hannah's new life, etc.). There is also some humor in the book especially regarding the starter bags of friendship bread. All of this makes for an engaging novel.

"Friendship Bread" is a tasty read. (less)

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Apr 28, 2011 Debbie Green rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had all but forgotten about friendship bread until coming upon a link to friendship bread kitchen on facebook. I looked into the book and ordered one from Amazon…Now mind you I found out Darien would be doing a book signing 30 minutes from my home. I had my daughter take me, except my book from Amazon had not yet arrived (came the next day) so I bought one at the book store the signing was at. It was an Honor and Pleasure to meet Darin and spend time with her and the others. It only took me 2...more

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Apr 07, 2011 Gaby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chicklit, summer-reading

I admit that I'm biased. I've read Darien Gee's earlier works (those that she'd written under her pen name Mia King) and I'd thoroughly enjoyed them. Darien creates characters that draw you in - the women are genuinely interesting, good people often caught up in highly competitive or politicized worlds.

In Friendship Bread, Darien has several very different women lead characters that converge in this cafe and somehow become friends. They're linked together through "friendship bread" - somehow th...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Joemmama rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is for you,your sister,your mom,your book club and anyone who loves a good story!

It is the story of women, family and a town, all brought together by a mysterious and ugly bag of fermenting batter that magically bakes up into Amish Friendship Bread. Darien Gee captures the small town feel, in her Avalon, and lets us peek in the windows, into the lives of the women who live there.

One woman, grieving the loss of her son, another coping with the breakup of her marriage, and yet another tr...more

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Mar 07, 2011 readinrobin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It’s not often that a book makes my eyes tear up, but this book managed to do so. I’d never heard of Darien Gee or Amish Friendship Bread before. For the first 50 pages or so, I just kind of plodded along, enjoying it well enough but not finding it particularly outstanding. But somewhere along the way I got so sucked in that I didn't want to put the book down to go to sleep.

There are a lot of characters, and keeping up with all of them may be part of why it took me a bit to really get my bearin...more

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
A Bowl Full of Le...: Have you made a starter? Friendship bread yet? What are your experiences with the 10 day fermenting process?	51	109	May 09, 2013 09:15am
A Bowl Full of Le...: Who do you relate to most?	18	43	May 07, 2013 07:27pm
A Bowl Full of Le...: Edie writes an article for the local newspaper about the origin of Amish Friendship Bread in Avalon...	13	33	May 05, 2013 06:01am
A Bowl Full of Le...: Do you think it takes a girlfriend to lean on, to see the clarity that you need when going through hard times? Does it make it easier to get through a tough situation to have your girlfriends around or you you solely rely on your husband to confide in?	14	42	May 03, 2013 06:20pm
A Bowl Full of Le...: How do you feel about Edie? Did she grow on you by the end of the story?	15	37	May 03, 2013 05:57pm
A Bowl Full of Le...: "Friendship Bread"	11	119	May 03, 2013 09:26am
A Bowl Full of Le...: What is your age (if you dont mind answering) and do you feel that it's easier or harder to make friends as you get older?	73	130	Apr 30, 2013 12:05pm

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About Darien Gee

Darien Gee lives with her husband and three children in Hawaii. She is the author of Friendship Bread: A Novel and The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society.

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Quotes from Friendship Bread

“She's come to realize that life is a bit like doing laundry--you have to separate the darks from the lights. One's not necessarily better than the other--they're just different. They have different needs, require different levels of care. She knows plenty of customers who don't give it much thought and throw all their laundry in together, and maybe that's the chaotic part of life that just happens, that no matter how hard you try, you can't always keep things separate. A red sock gets mixed in with a load of whites, or a delicate black top gets washed in hot water by accident. These things happen. All you can do is learn from it and move on. Tell your husband to enjoy his pink underwear, give your shrunken top to your little sister or niece. But it doesn't mean that you stop sorting your laundry. You keep sorting--lights from darks, darks from lights--and hope for the best.” — 12 people liked it

“[She] looks gorgeous, wearing the look of a mother whose kids are finally starting to grow up. She can take care of herself now, she can get her hair done and get a decent night's sleep.” — 3 people liked it

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