Vanity Fare: A novel of lattes, literature, and love by Megan Caldwell

Jan 08, 2013 Bonnie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, foods-yum-yum, adult, arcs-read, arc-via-publisher-or-author, chick-lit

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
A copy of Vanity Fare was provided to me by William Morrow for review purposes.

Molly thought she had hit rock bottom when her husband of 10 years left her and their six year-old son for a younger woman. That wasn't rock bottom though. Rock bottom came when she finds out her soon to be ex-husband has also lost his job (and his ability to pay her child support) and also depleted their savings leaving Molly with nothing to pay the bills. She ends up being hired as a copywri...more My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
A copy of Vanity Fare was provided to me by William Morrow for review purposes.

Molly thought she had hit rock bottom when her husband of 10 years left her and their six year-old son for a younger woman. That wasn't rock bottom though. Rock bottom came when she finds out her soon to be ex-husband has also lost his job (and his ability to pay her child support) and also depleted their savings leaving Molly with nothing to pay the bills. She ends up being hired as a copywriter for a new up and coming bakery. But on top of finding a job she may have also found a new romance. Or two.

Anyone who knows my typical book preferences would likely find it laughable that I decided to read a book regardless of the fact that it stated in the summary that there was a love triangle. Typically? I'd be running for the hills but the concept of this story was too cute to pass up.

I am total sucker for foodie type books in general but I completely fell in love with the concept for this book. I also made full scale plans of starting my own bakery just to be able to do something like this. Molly is hired to come up with a 'hook' for potential customers and it needed to be closely related to the library (which the bakery is across the street from) and/or literature in general. She comes up with the idea to use double entendres to name menu items and the store itself (Vanity Fare). A few of my favorites? The Bun Also Rises. A Room of Ones Scone. Of Mousse and Men. Much Ado About Muffins. And the best? Tart of Darkness. There are even real recipes included at the back of the book for several of these (including Tart of Darkness which I will so be trying, it sounds delicious!)

The romance(s) played a huge part of the story (and possible more than I would have preferred) which I suppose should have been expected as this can definitely be considered a chick-lit novel. But I have a total soft spot for chick-lit and these romances were quite entertaining. The main character, Molly, truly made this book though. She was witty, had a wonderful dry sense of humor, and was such a realistic character just struggling to not give in and let life beat her down. I found the story (and Molly) to be quite inspiring.

A four star rating (and possibly more) was totally in the bag but alas, I found the ending with Nick's big "secret" to not be worth all the build up that led up to the reveal. Overall though this is a fun and delightful chick-lit novel that manages to be charming while still full of laughs.(less)

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Mar 11, 2013 Melissa Mitchell rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-52-books-in-a-year

I actually liked this more than I thought I would. Or should? Look, it's not our beloved Jane or Lucy M. It's not Dickens or Tolstoy or the consistently depressing Hardy {author got bonus points for feeling the same way I do about Thomas Hardy}. But being honest, that's not why we pick up chick lit like this.

It's formulaic, certainly. But despite that, I enjoyed it. I was invested in the girl getting the guy - the right guy, that is. I disliked Romantic Interst #1 fairly quickly. She took a lit...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, chick-lit, e-book, new-author, read-in-2012, review, romance-contemporary

Favorite Quote: “What was wrong with us that people kept leaving?”

Molly Hagan is having a bad day. Her husband has not only left her for a younger woman but has also lost his job in the process. With a small child to care for and no steady income, Molly needs to step up her game. When an old friend offers her a plum position of writing copy for an up and coming bakery, Molly jumps in feet first only to find herself swiftly rethinking her plans when the job threatens to overwhelm her. Engaging in...more Favorite Quote: “What was wrong with us that people kept leaving?”

Molly Hagan is having a bad day. Her husband has not only left her for a younger woman but has also lost his job in the process. With a small child to care for and no steady income, Molly needs to step up her game. When an old friend offers her a plum position of writing copy for an up and coming bakery, Molly jumps in feet first only to find herself swiftly rethinking her plans when the job threatens to overwhelm her. Engaging in a battle of wits and scones keeps Molly on her toes once romance rears it’s fickle head in the form of sexy British baker,Simon but Molly isn't interested in love until a certain snarly business partner, Nick, enters the fray. Molly begins to settle and begins to imagine a silver lining might be in her future but soon learns that happily ever after isn’t always as easy to get as it is to write.

First off, I must let you all know that Megan Caldwell, aka, Megan Frampton, is my boss at HeroesandHeartbreakers.com. She at no time approached me to review her novel. I requested on Edelweiss and was approved by HarperCollins.

Megan Caldwell’s debut release, Vanity Fare, gives us an intimate ring side seat into the life of Molly Hagen as she deals with divorce, finances, employment, and suddenly becoming a single parent. Liberally laced with humor and grace, I found myself laughing and nodding as Molly slowly finds herself again after 20 plus years of being a married stay at home wife and mother. I enjoyed the fact that we aren’t inundated with off the cuff plot gimmicks or implausible situations as Molly begins to live and deal with being alone. The literary pun angle was cute and added a touch of whimsical to the story. What I really enjoyed about Vanity Fare is that the heroine is a 40 year old woman. Too often it’s the young, gorgeous 20 somethings who get the HEAs and the older women are regulated to the “wise, advice giving friend” role. Divorce is hard enough but it’s even harder when you're tossed aside for someone younger. Caldwell doesn’t sugar coat the ups and downs of divorce for the sake of an HEA in here. She shows us it’s messy, heartbreaking, unfair, and presents it all clearly and without apology.

Character driven, it’s the fast pacing and conversational style writing that enhances the appeal of this story. All the characters are delightfully flawed and engaging. Caldwell has a gift for drawing out her character’s personalities and producing a cast that is not only appealing but familiar. I saw a little of everyone I know in each of them. Aiden, Molly’s six year old, helps seal the deal with his impetuousness and love of Pokemon. Molly’s mother provides an excellent look at turbulent parental relationships and the way love and forgiveness can often heal breaches.Molly’s bff has her back always and she meets some new friends and discovers a new hobby that produces some interesting results.

The romance reveals at a delightfully speed as Molly tries to suss out her attraction to one man while reluctantly dating another. I found her dates with Simon to be humorous while I fell in love with Nick myself. It all develops slowly and though some situations aren’t perfect, they are genuine. I liked that Molly isn’t portrayed as needing to find a replacement for her ex husband to save her. She understands, correctly, that she isn’t in a good place right now and her family and financial needs take precedence over her physical ones. Yet, she has wants, needs, and reading her thoughts on those will bring a chuckle.

Molly’s journey towards financial and emotional independence is a wonderfully witty, charming, and yummy tale that is sure to appeal to readers and foodies alike. Caldwell’s debut is a winner across the board and a perfect addition for everyone’s romance shelf.

Overall Rating: B(less)

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May 02, 2013 Life Between Coffee Spoons rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thankfully the contents of this book are just as appealing and delectable as the pile of old books (and even the plate of chocolate chip cookies) on the cover that drew me in.

Molly is middle-aged and suddenly a single mom after her scummy husband left her for a younger woman. The cherry on top is that he lost his job at the same time, leaving him unable to pay child support or alimony. Suddenly it's imperative that she find a job, not an easy feat for someone who has been out of the workforce fo...more Thankfully the contents of this book are just as appealing and delectable as the pile of old books (and even the plate of chocolate chip cookies) on the cover that drew me in.

Molly is middle-aged and suddenly a single mom after her scummy husband left her for a younger woman. The cherry on top is that he lost his job at the same time, leaving him unable to pay child support or alimony. Suddenly it's imperative that she find a job, not an easy feat for someone who has been out of the workforce for so long. Then into her lap falls the perfect position: writing copy for a new bakery in town. With it comes the company of two charming men as well.

Caldwell has a way with words as she weaves together Molly's personal and professional lives. I really enjoyed her descriptions, especially of the various people throughout. The main character is realistic in that she's sometimes frustrating but most of the time easily the one the reader is rooting for. For once, the conversations between people are so natural! I feel like everything I've picked up lately has felt so forced and stilted.

The pacing was also handled excellently. It was fast for the reader but also felt a little slower for Molly, in a good way. So many romance novels rush into those immediate primal urges where all that's driving the plot is lust. Caldwell completely avoids this, sprinkling in Molly's work and her fledgling social life to keep it interesting.

Plus, I'm an absolute sucker for a Byronic hero. While Nick's big reveal may be underwhelming and the closest thing to a plot device to be found, it didn't detract from the journey getting there.

Favorite quote: "Green eyes. Brilliant, emerald green eyes. Man, did I love green eyes. Hugh's eyes were brown, a fact I'd always secretly resented." I also loved the reliance on the NYC public library and, of course, all the literary references.

The most annoying thing I could find about this one was the fact that there was actually a crossed out phrase in it. I find it hilarious on the internet but think it needs to stay ~~on the internet~~ out of print.

I recommend it for chick-lit fans who don't mind a generous spattering of (unnecessary) swearing. The romance is a strong enough element that most genre readers would also enjoy, though there is nothing beyond steamy kissing.(less)

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Jan 16, 2013 Chocolate & Croissants rated it 4 of 5 stars

Yes I am a shallow book reader, the cover alone drew me in. Chocolate chip cookies, old books on the cover, literature and love (I am not a latte person, but a cup of tea would work well with me).

This is the book I took home with me on the plane at Christmas. It was the perfect read. Molly the main character is faced with major financial challenges after her cheating husband walks out on her and her 6 year old. Molly finds herself with a job helping Simon open up a pastry shop. The job seems per...more

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Jun 08, 2013 Jane Stewart rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, divorce

It needed a better story. Too much telling, not enough showing. It’s missing the feel-good that I expect from romance.

This was first person. The author did not show enough about other characters’ motivations or actions. That should have been done with dialogue and actions. Instead it felt flat. All feelings were in the head of Molly for example: I’m tired. I need my coffee. This guy hires me. He says I did a good job. That guy wants to have sex with me. I say no. He’s too self absorbed. I like t...more It needed a better story. Too much telling, not enough showing. It’s missing the feel-good that I expect from romance.

This was first person. The author did not show enough about other characters’ motivations or actions. That should have been done with dialogue and actions. Instead it felt flat. All feelings were in the head of Molly for example: I’m tired. I need my coffee. This guy hires me. He says I did a good job. That guy wants to have sex with me. I say no. He’s too self absorbed. I like this other guy. I don’t know why he doesn’t want me.

Two client guys are interested in Molly. As a reader I did not know why they liked her or what they saw, and I wanted to know. It felt incomplete.

Molly has a happy ending with a guy, but there was no emotional relationship development. It’s just told at the end, hey they’re together.

Molly has an English degree and is doing paperwork to get a job as a teacher. Her friend John hires Molly to come up with marketing ideas for his client. He knows she can do it. I’m told she made a good impression at the client meeting, but I did not hear what she said or what they said. I did not see interesting or smart interactions.

Molly’s mother has financial problems. She did some things to make her situation better. I don’t know what those things were. Again told, not shown.

(view spoiler)

I liked the subject matter. Molly is in process of divorce. She is caring for a 6-year-old son, has no money and needs a job.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person. Kindle count length: 5,572 (583 KB) 419 pages (includes a few recipes). Swearing language: moderate to strong, but rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: one, referred to no details shown. Setting: current day New York, NY. Copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary romance, divorce.(less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, contemporary-fiction, divorce, humor, infidelity, new-york-city, parenthood, romance

Molly Hagan's husband left her for a younger woman and now she finds out his business has just gone bankrupt. So now she has to find a way to support herself and her 6 year old son with no support from her ex-husband. Through a former colleague, she finds a job copywriting for a new bakery just opening up. Molly finds herself experiencing all of the ups and downs and "politics" in the business world, but she loves what she's doing and maybe has found romance in the process.

Vanity Fare is enterta...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars

Molly Hagan must get her feet wet and enter the working class world again. Her husband has left her and their son, Aidan for a younger woman. This means that Molly must find a way to support her and Aidan and pay for insurance.

Molly’s friend, John offers Molly a job opportunity being a copy writing for a new bakery. The chef is Simon, who is one of the most in demand and hottest chefs around. Besides working with Simon, Molly will be working with Nick. This would not be a problem if Nick was no...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Shirley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I devoured Vanity Fare, relishing and savouring the ingredients therein. A delicious mix of a snarky protagonist, attractive men and humour made this novel so much fun to read! Add some decadent recipes at the end (courtesy of Emily Isaac of Trois Pommes Patisserie) and you have a complete package for an afternoon of you time!

Faced with the uncertainty of a single mom raising a six year old with no income, Molly must do things she would never do in a million years like taking on a copywriting jo...more

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Sep 18, 2012 Sue Grimshaw rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Forty year old Molly Hagan is at wits end - her husband lost his job, and has left her for a younger woman and to top it all off he can't make good on his child support. Working freelance as a copywriter Molly quickly realizes she needs to up her game & figure out the next page in her life, which now will include a career &/or at least a better paying job.

A good friend & also her freelance employer sets her up on an interview for a position creating promo ads for a new bakery. Low &...more Forty year old Molly Hagan is at wits end - her husband lost his job, and has left her for a younger woman and to top it all off he can't make good on his child support. Working freelance as a copywriter Molly quickly realizes she needs to up her game & figure out the next page in her life, which now will include a career &/or at least a better paying job.

A good friend & also her freelance employer sets her up on an interview for a position creating promo ads for a new bakery. Low & behold the pastry chef & his British connections deliver a lot of sweetness with their delectable treats & soon Molly finds herself the center of everyone's recipe.
A woman's fiction story to be sure with a sweet HEA -

IF, you're not a fan of woman's fic? Wait for Megan's next book, HERO OF MY HEART - on sale 4/8/2013 - listen to this:
In this emotional and powerfully erotic tale of love and redemption, a tender vicar’s daughter and a tortured war hero discover that sin may be their only salvation.

When Mary Smith’s corrupt, debt-ridden brother drags her to a seedy pub to sell her virtue to the highest bidder, Alasdair Thornham leaps to the rescue. Of course the marquess is far from perfect husband material. Although he is exceedingly handsome, with a perfect, strong body, chiseled jaw, and piercing green eyes, Alasdair is also too fond of opium, preferring delirium to reality. Still, he has come to Mary’s aid, and now she intends to return the favor. She will show him that he is not evil, just troubled.

Mary was a damsel in need of a hero, but Alasdair’s plan is shortsighted. He never foresaw her desire to save him from himself. Alasdair is quite at home in his private torment, until this angel proves that a heart still beats in his broken soul. The devil may have kept her from hell, but will Mary’s good intentions lead them back to the brink—or to heaven in each other’s arms? http://www.randomhouse.com/book/22286...

This is a TRUE Romance - I think you'll enjoy both books - I know I did!

SueG(less)

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Nov 14, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won this book from Library Thing, and it arrived the day after I finished Heading Out to Wonderful. I was in a funky frame of mind, suffering from book hangover, so I picked it up and immediately started reading it. It was fun and silly, and the perfect antidote to the heaviness I was feeling. This is normal for me, I do usually try to balance the books I read so if I read something pretty emotional I follow up with something easy. I started this when I was reading Joyce Carol Oates books’ bac...more I won this book from Library Thing, and it arrived the day after I finished Heading Out to Wonderful. I was in a funky frame of mind, suffering from book hangover, so I picked it up and immediately started reading it. It was fun and silly, and the perfect antidote to the heaviness I was feeling. This is normal for me, I do usually try to balance the books I read so if I read something pretty emotional I follow up with something easy. I started this when I was reading Joyce Carol Oates books’ back to back to back and started feeling grumpy and depressed. Her stuff is so good, but so dark! So I don't like to be all serious all the time.

Vanity Fare is about a forty year old rich woman named Molly whose husband abruptly leaves her, and not only is he gone, but so is their money and his job. She is forced to get a job, but after being a stay at home with a liberal arts degree, she feels she has few options. In the past, she had dabbled in freelance proofing and editing for her friend’s marketing firm, and when he calls with an opportunity, she has to check it out, for the sake of herself and her son Aidan. The job is writing copy for a celebrity chef, Simon from Britain, who is opening a new bakery – and he wants his products tied into the library next door, hence the name Vanity Fare. She writes lots of puns, reworking book titles to have to do with baked goods. Molly ends up dating Simon a few times, but really has her eye on Nick, the financial guy behind Simon. There are a few hiccups along the way to happiness for Molly, but ultimately this book has a happy ending.

One thing did bother me- Molly was always going on about her internal editor, and would mentally note if someone used the same word more than once in a paragraph or a document. But I counted the author using the word surreptitiously at least 6 times, and 3 times out of the 6 was on the same page. I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be ironic or if it was a mistake, but it bugged me after reading how the character hated when that happened.

This book is an easy feel good book. Not too serious or dramatic, just something to read when you need a pick me up. I could easily see reading it, while drinking a peppermint mocha latte and eating something equally indulgent. (less)

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Dec 20, 2012 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow- I loved everything about this book. Vanity Fare has an interesting story, great characters, wit, charm, and some great recipes in the back. The main plus for the book for me was the main character, Molly, I really related to her a lot. I am not divorced but I am in my 40s, love to read, have a six year old I adore, and love baked goods just like Molly. Caldwell does such a great job of showing Molly's faults and weaknesses but still making her someone you would love to have for a best frien...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Sharon rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book. It started out okay, about midway through I wondered why I was even finishing it, and then it picked up again until the end. Molly is in the process of getting a divorce and is the mother to 6 year old Aidan. She does copywriting freelance work for an old college friend whose client is opening a bakery near the New York Public Library.

What I liked:
The puns at the beginning of each chapter describing the baked goods were really amusing.
Molly's therapy sessi...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Marg rated it 3 of 5 stars

2.5-3/5

When Molly Hagan's husband leaves her for another woman she is devastated, but she thanks to a generous divorce deal she know that she will be okay eventually. That is until her husband gives her the news that his business has gone bust and that he has lost all of his money. Her health insurance will expire at the end of the month and she has to find a way to support both herself and her six year old son, Aidan. Molly has a degree in English but has spent the last six years at home with h...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Jeffrey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, chick-lit, read-in-2013, romance

This is a light entertaining contemporary romance novel about a woman who has to get onto her two feet and rejoin the world after her husband leaves her for another woman.

Molly Hagen has been left in a lurch. Her slimeball husband Hugh left her and her young son for a younger woman. But to make matters worse, Hugh now claims that he lost his job and has no money for support. Molly calls on her Mom for help, but the Mom has lost a mint day trading, and actually has to come live with Molly, as wel...more This is a light entertaining contemporary romance novel about a woman who has to get onto her two feet and rejoin the world after her husband leaves her for another woman.

Molly Hagen has been left in a lurch. Her slimeball husband Hugh left her and her young son for a younger woman. But to make matters worse, Hugh now claims that he lost his job and has no money for support. Molly calls on her Mom for help, but the Mom has lost a mint day trading, and actually has to come live with Molly, as well. The world is collapsing.

Molly, forty something and not in the work force for years could have folded the tent then and there, but John, an old college friend, who owns an advertising agency, wants her to come in and do some copy editing for him. It seems he has a new client, a high end bakery, and he knows Molly’s ability and thinks she can work with his new partner Natalie to design an ad campaign for the bakery.

Molly meets with Simon the baker and Nick, his business partner and goes to the site of the bakery –across from the famous lions of the New York Public Library and comes up with the cutesy idea of naming the bakery and its products after books. Thus we get little chapter headings about proposed ads for food products at the bakery. "The Catcher in the Rye Bread", "The Bun also Rises", Gravity's Rainbow Cookies". I have to say I was enchanted by some of these little vignettes about the baked goods. They were way too cute, but funny in a foodie and literary way.

The story was fun and cute too. Molly has a good home network of friends, Lissa the beautiful babysitter for her son who is dating Tony, a seemingly stuck up guy, Keisha, her friend in California, who has fallen in love with a guy she did not want to date, but who is always trying to get Molly to do more with her life, and her therapist, who keeps pushing Molly to do more. Then there is Molly herself unsure of herself, tiptoeing back into life, work and love because of course there are two men in her life now.

Should she choose Simon, the gorgeous wealthy baker or Nick his very handsome business partner. Molly starts out with Simon, but soon is more attracted to Nick. It helps that Nick likes Molly's son Aiden as well.

This book was everything you would want in a change of pace from a harder diet of thrillers and mysteries. The characters had depth, and although light and entertaining, the getting back into the real world of work and life story is very timely in this world of lost jobs and unemployment.

Plus the novel’s conceit of food and literature was fun.
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Nov 14, 2012 bookczuk rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: early-review-librarything, advanced-reader-copy, first-novel-or-book, foodie, places-i-have-been, read-for-review, sometimes-fluff-is-good

"A novel of lattes, literature, and love"? Sounds like the story of my life, if you change "lattes" to "coffee" or "espresso" and don't mind the loss of alliteration. Fortunately for me, but unfortunately for Molly, the 40-something discarded wife/single mother involved, my life is safely my own. Still, this made an amusing diversion from some of other stuff I'm reading of late (Sholem Aleichem for a book club, sequel to a complex science fiction as an AR, a Nordic noir that's being passed aroun...more "A novel of lattes, literature, and love"? Sounds like the story of my life, if you change "lattes" to "coffee" or "espresso" and don't mind the loss of alliteration. Fortunately for me, but unfortunately for Molly, the 40-something discarded wife/single mother involved, my life is safely my own. Still, this made an amusing diversion from some of other stuff I'm reading of late (Sholem Aleichem for a book club, sequel to a complex science fiction as an AR, a Nordic noir that's being passed around amongst friends, and some occupationally related reading.)

Molly's left facing a future of no money, no job, no support from the scummy ex, and has to reshape her world. Lucky for her, she's able to get work from an old college friend, who plops her in as the marketing/copy-writing person for a new bakery opening up near the New York City Library. Did I mention that the chef/owner is handsome, and sexy, etc? Yeah, well, he is, as is his associate who appears to despise Molly as much as I despise the word "sexy" as a descriptor.

So here were the problems for me. Molly loves "literature" but is busy reading romance novels (which is fine to do, but own it, don't be ashamed of a good bodice. Heck, act it out, even. It's great fun.) And when her non-reading friend wants to start reading good literature, Molly starts her out on Ethan Frome. Ethan Frome??? I'd be surprised if the chick ever picked up a book again.

Molly loves "coffee", but thinks nothing of drinking stuff that's been sitting on a warmer all day. The coffee geeks I know would be horrified at that, or by the pre-ground coffee she scoops out to make her bucket 'o coffee. I know there's the whole crowd out there that thinks Starbucks or Dunkin' Doughnuts reigns supreme, but not the folks I hang with. They'd shudder, and that's before knowing that the perfect cuppa in this book has milk and one sugar in it. Undoubtedly perfect for some, but not for the purists.

So if I put my judgmental snob hat aside, and focus on the story, it was fine. Molly is faced with some really awful stuff, and faces challenge. She also has a son, who she wants to keep unharmed from his father's desertion. Her mother is a little off kilter, but Molly deals with it well. She's got two great girlfriends to help her, with good shoulders to cry on and ears for listening. She's got a great shrink, another friend who gives her a job, and her health is insurance covered for at least a little while. And she's got a good enough head on her shoulders to not be ruled by her libido.

All in all, a fine escape read for a chilly autumn day. The references to books, in the copy Molly supposedly came up with for the bakery products, were entertaining. The recipes for those products a nice touch. A little more of Brooklyn would have been just great. The best thing would have been if the bakery was real, and I could order one of those muffins to have with my freshly brewed, black coffee.

Many thanks to LibraryThing and the publisher for sending along this copy of Vanity Fare.
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Jan 09, 2013 Krissi Bryant rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought the book was pretty okay. It's about a mother and her son(Molly & Aidan) who is getting divorced from her husband Hugh( because he likes blonde tall women, and obviously cheating ).

It goes through Molly's struggles as a mother: finding a job, paying bills, Hugh loosing his job and not paying child support, men problems, and not making a complete ass out of herself working on a new project for work, and her mother(which she cant stand) moving into her apartment.

Molly has been seein...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books

A fun, light read. Very witty and quickly paced; the heroine is unusual in being 40 rather than the more typical twentysomething; and the characters by and large are reasonable, normal human beings--they have flaws and those flaws sometimes make them do bad things, but that doesn't make them bad people.

The financial woes of the main character was her driving motivation for nearly everything, but Caldwell reiterated them in such a similar pattern that eventually it became distracting rather than...more

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May 12, 2013 Christianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: will-read-again

This was a perfect read for this month and I finished it just in time for Mother's Day!

Molly Hagan is a single mom who lives in New York with her adorable six-year-old son. Aidan. She recently separated with her ex-husband, Hugh, who cheated on her with a young beautiful blonde. The story starts off when her Hugh tells her that he can't support them any longer because he got fired from his job as a lawyer. And like any other competent mother would do, Molly starts finding a job to support her...more This was a perfect read for this month and I finished it just in time for Mother's Day!

Molly Hagan is a single mom who lives in New York with her adorable six-year-old son. Aidan. She recently separated with her ex-husband, Hugh, who cheated on her with a young beautiful blonde. The story starts off when her Hugh tells her that he can't support them any longer because he got fired from his job as a lawyer. And like any other competent mother would do, Molly starts finding a job to support her child and herself. With a little luck and help from her friends and therapist she starts to see the light, what went wrong in her marriage, what she has to do, how to handle her life, etc. Problems occur along the way, especially "potential-suitors-to-be" problems and she learns from it all.

I love this story. It was fun and easy and a really really quick read. Like I said in my previous reviews, if I didn't like sleeping that much I would have finished in a day. I had problems with connecting some scenes with another but along the way I figured it out to be like an "open-ended" situation where the reader (which is me) gets to think on what the situation is all about and how to connect them. I even went back a few pages to understand some scenes, like the one with what happened to Natalie and Simon. Those scenes was like a big question mark for me, then at the end, Molly confronted Natalie. It felt like I have to insert my own thinking of what happened to get the whole picture. But other than that, it was PERFECT!

I love how Molly learned from everything that happened in her life. Like thinking back and realizing that there wasn't any love in her relationship with her ex-husband. And like in real life, you get through what ever challenges your facing with a little help whether it's from your friends, mother, therapist, and "potential-suitors-to-be"s. I love her conversations with Keisha, her visits from Lissa, and then her work opportunity with John, all of it came together and just molded into one. I love the scene at the end where she got a "Freedom" party from her friends and she finally got it straight with her ex.

Another character that I would like to mention is Nick! How gorgeous and mysterious he is. Tall, dark and handsome! And I just love him, how noble, (view spoiler) he is such a man. He even plays with Aidan and have play dates with him. I don't know if those still exist but I hope they're out there, somewhere.

What can I say, I love everything about this book. I was actually shocked to find out that this was the first book written by Ms. Megan Caldwell. I mean I wouldn't say it was well-written and I wouldn't say it was well-thought out but it just came together nicely and I love it!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ :D
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Feb 19, 2013 (Lonestarlibrarian) Keddy Ann Outlaw rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was mutton dressed as lamb; just a formulaic romance with predictable characters and plot elements pretending to appeal to foodies and literature lovers. About-to-be-divorced Molly Hagan, a financially-challenged mother of one 6 year-old son, is hired as a copywriter for a celebrity chef's new Manahattan baker. Because the shop is near NY Public Library, the bakery has a literary theme. Thus the overly punnish chapter headings (Much Ado About Muffins, Portrait of a Ladyfinger, Remembrance o...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Itsjustme-wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loooooooved! So close to getting 5 stars (probably more like a 4.75 stars, LOL)
First - this book was hilarious! I was texting my daughter parts and she would "LOL" back. Then I had to just call her and read her a whole page because it was too long to text. There were parts where I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my face. This book was very quirky, quippy, snarky, and sarcastic and I loved it for it! A book after my own heart!

There was a bit of swearing, a bit of love (nothing gra...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Michelle added it

Molly Hagan is still struggling to adjust to life as a newly-single mother when she receives notice that her soon-to-be-ex can no longer afford child support. Suddenly that world that seemed intimidating but doable is a lot more treacherous as with no job and no child support, she has no money in which to feed her child. Much to her chagrin and dismay, she is forced to quickly find a job for the first time in six years. Enter her friend John, with whom she has worked in the past, and who has a t...more Molly Hagan is still struggling to adjust to life as a newly-single mother when she receives notice that her soon-to-be-ex can no longer afford child support. Suddenly that world that seemed intimidating but doable is a lot more treacherous as with no job and no child support, she has no money in which to feed her child. Much to her chagrin and dismay, she is forced to quickly find a job for the first time in six years. Enter her friend John, with whom she has worked in the past, and who has a timely offer for freelance copywriting work about a hot new bakery complete with its very own hot pastry chef. One taste of his pastries and one glimpse of his British sexiness, and Molly knows her life will never be the same again.

Such is the basic plot of Megan Caldwell’s latest novel, Vanity Fare. Women’s literature at its finest, it has the added bonus of a main character that is an English major and bibliophile. Gorgeous men, compassionate and truth-talking best friends, and an adorable son round out this romantic comedy. The literary comments, as well as the fact that Molly is an avowed romance fan whereas her mother all but denounces her genre of choice, are an absolute blast. Molly herself is realistic and witty. She has a wicked sense of humor and a tendency to forget to filter her comments. This leads to some hilariously awkward moments that are as cringe-worthy as they are funny. Better yet, she is not a model, nor is she fabulously wealthy. She is not a rising star in her chosen field, and she definitely struggles with cleanliness and organization. She is a mother through and through – harried, disorganized, and just trying to provide a stable and loving home for her son. She is a character that is instantly recognizable and relatable for millions of readers.

Vanity Fare is exactly what it sets out to be - good, light-hearted fun – and that is perfectly okay. In fact, with its literary puns, delicious descriptions of the various baked goods, its awkward heroine, and not-so-awkward romantic interest, it is more than perfectly okay; it is absolutely fantastic. As a soon-to-be divorced mother with major self-esteem issues, Molly’s struggles are heart-wrenchingly and yet endearingly realistic. They are made all the more so by her support network, all of whom are not afraid to tell her to shut up and stop her whining, as any true friend would. As the love interest, Nick is appropriately sexy, and even though the big secret is anything but to savvy readers, it does not prevent one from enjoying the sparks. Vanity Fare is just a delight to read and quickly devoured with its humor, character growth, and romance. Just be warned – reading it may induce carbohydrate cravings!

Acknowledgments: Thank you to LibraryThing’s Early Reader program for my review copy! (less)

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Feb 13, 2013 Kristine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, novel, read-for-my-job, realistic-fiction, romance, want-to-own

Thankfully the contents of this book are just as appealing and delectable as the pile of old books (and even the plate of chocolate chip cookies) on the cover that drew me in.

Molly is middle-aged and suddenly a single mom after her scummy husband left her for a younger woman. The cherry on top is that he lost his job at the same time, leaving him unable to pay child support or alimony. Suddenly it's imperative that she find a job, not an easy feat for someone who has been out of the workforce fo...more Thankfully the contents of this book are just as appealing and delectable as the pile of old books (and even the plate of chocolate chip cookies) on the cover that drew me in.

Molly is middle-aged and suddenly a single mom after her scummy husband left her for a younger woman. The cherry on top is that he lost his job at the same time, leaving him unable to pay child support or alimony. Suddenly it's imperative that she find a job, not an easy feat for someone who has been out of the workforce for so long. Then into her lap falls the perfect position: writing copy for a new bakery in town. With it comes the company of two charming men as well.

Caldwell has a way with words as she weaves together Molly's personal and professional lives. I really enjoyed her descriptions, especially of the various people throughout. The main character is realistic in that she's sometimes frustrating but most of the time easily the one the reader is rooting for. For once, the conversations between people are so natural! I feel like everything I've picked up lately has felt so forced and stilted.

The pacing was also handled excellently. It was fast for the reader but also felt a little slower for Molly, in a good way. So many romance novels rush into those immediate primal urges where all that's driving the plot is lust. Caldwell completely avoids this, sprinkling in Molly's work and her fledgling social life to keep it interesting.

Plus, I'm an absolute sucker for a Byronic hero. While Nick's big reveal may be underwhelming and the closest thing to a plot device to be found, it didn't detract from the journey getting there.

Favorite quote: "Green eyes. Brilliant, emerald green eyes. Man, did I love green eyes. Hugh's eyes were brown, a fact I'd always secretly resented." I also loved the reliance on the NYC public library and, of course, all the literary references.

The most annoying thing I could find about this one was the fact that there was actually a crossed out phrase in it. I find it hilarious on the internet but think it needs to stay ~~on the internet~~ out of print.

I recommend it for chick-lit fans who don't mind a generous spattering of (unnecessary) swearing. The romance is a strong enough element that most genre readers would also enjoy, though there is nothing beyond steamy kissing.

Characterization: Dynamic
Frame: NYC but not very heavily dependent on this
Pace: A nice jog
Point of View: First person, middle-aged woman
Red Flags: Language, sexual references
Tone: Friendly(less)

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Dec 29, 2012 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Vanity Fare
by
Megan Caldwell

My " in a nutshell" summary...

Divorce turns Molly into one heck of a new woman.

My thoughts after reading this book...

I found this book to be fun, absorbing and thoughtful. Molly's husband Hugh leaves her...alone with their son and almost no money. Molly steps up, grows up and deals with life. Molly has great friends, an amazing therapist and a fab sense of humor. These attributes help her to deal with her new life circumstances.

What I loved about this book...

Molly and...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, 2013-in-2013, 2013-yearly-challenge, chick-lit

Vanity Fare is an awesome read. This is the story about Molly Hagan. A woman whose husband left her for a younger woman. She had quit her job to take care of their son Aiden and now she is a single mom trying to figure out how she will pay bills and feed her and her son.

Molly's old friend John offers her a job copy editing for a new bakery and this is when the fun begins. She is still worried about making ends meet but at least she has a temporary job. Romance starts to flourish once she meets t...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Rachel Bussel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Molly Hagan wants to be a good mom to her son, especially now that her newly separated husband won't be able to pay the bills. She also wants to feel more fulfilled than she has as she's let her needs be subsumed in her marriage. Enter a copywriting job helmed by two hot men, kitchen whiz Simon and serious but hunky Nick. She's soon working closely with both of them, dreaming up literary paeans to Simon's baking skills leading up to the launch of his bakery, while dealing with her mom moving in...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Leeswammes rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a very pleasant read about a woman who is left to fend for herself after her husband leaves and, as it turns out, loses his job soon afterwards. She has two friends and a therapist to confide in and to ask for help, and there are a few love-interests running around the book, too.

The story is a bit predictable, but that didn't matter (sometimes it's nice to see whether a story will develop as you expect). It was fun to see how Molly got more confidence as the story advanced and how she d...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Molly Hagan's husband has left her and she needs to get a job -- quick. Said husband has just informed her that he's lost his job and can no longer provide child support and Molly's insurance is running out. Fortunately a friend comes through with some temporary contract work that involves copywriting for an up and coming bakery in the city. The chef behind the concept is a hot (literally and figuratively) Englishman hoping their location near the New York Library will draw crowds. Molly's well...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: recipes, chick-lit

Eh. More like 2.5. Divorced woman finds herself in financial trouble and takes a freelance job writing bakery copy. The copy was cute, all based on books, but the story was kind of trite. I had read an enthusiastic review of the book. It wasn't unreadable, but it wasn't a super compelling read. Having said that, it seemed almost over-edited b/c I would occasionally lose the thread of some storyline, such as, she would refer to her friend as saying he was leaving the country and repeated that a b...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Chak rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, nutrition-food

I do not often read romances, but Vanity Fare came very highly recommended and I needed a break from all the sci-fi I can't stop picking off my gym's sharing shelf, the reference books I page through obsessively (yet pretty much never review), and the YA I'm reading with my son. I thoroughly enjoyed my break. Caldwell did a great job crafting a modern tale of finding love in a bad situation, and thankfully, left the sex up to the reader's imagination. Vanity Fare's protagonist was smart, all of...more

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title link	preview: Vanity Fare: A novel of lattes, literature, and love
avg rating	preview: Vanity Fare: A novel of lattes, literature, and love Goodreads rating: 3.44 (409 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15818438-vanity-fare?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345476570l/15818438.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15818438-vanity-fare?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Vanity Fare: A novel of lattes, literature, and love by Megan Caldwell[/url]

Vanity Fare: A novel of lattes, literature, and love

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