NEW RELEASE
What Would Mary Berry Do? - Claire Sandy (2014)
Marie Dunwoody's children have signed her up to make a cake for the school fete. But not just any cake, the show-stopper! And they've just informed her ... on the day of the fete. This might not be so bad if she was Lucy Gray, Stepford wife, model mother and resident Nigella, but Marie's idea of cooking is something mass-produced and ready-made. Her store-bought fondant fancies are definitely a show-stopper, but for all the wrong reasons and once again Lucy Gray is on hand to show her up. So Marie vows to learn to bake and she turns to the authority on the subject - English TV chef Mary Berry. From Victoria sponge to croquembouche, Marie follows Mary's wisdom culminating in another attempt at the show-stopper a year later. The writing in this novel is effortless and enjoyable. The author has both a natural humour and an ability to draw a wide array of different characters convincingly. Although the story centres on Marie, we also see and hear from her twin daughters and their older brother Angus as they cope with their own issues outside of Marie's remit as well as husband Robert. I must admit I did get a bit frustrated with Marie for abandoning her family at times to bake, and her complete ignorance of Angus' lot and the subplot with the twins only reinforced this. But it was refreshing to see a family that stuck together, that didn't fall out and implode at the first sign of change and a husband who supported his wife unerringly. For me, the resolution of Marie and Lucy's relationship felt too premature, Robert's baking too superfluous and the subplot with a rival dentist too contrived but the plot is held together wonderfully by the changing tides of family life, friends and work across the year. This book is bursting with warmth and joy and is a pleasurable way to spend a few hours ... perhaps with a cake (or two!) on hand. (JC)
What Would Mary Berry Do?, by Claire Sandy (aka Bernadette Strachan), is a couple trying to solve their problems through baking. The summary says: "Marie Dunwoody doesn't want for much in life. She has a lovely husband, three wonderful children, and a business of her own. Except, her cupcakes are crap. Her meringues are runny and her biscuits rock-hard. She cannot bake for toffee. Or, for that matter, make toffee. Marie can't ignore the disappointed looks any more, or continue to be shamed by neighbour and nemesis, Lucy Gray. Lucy whips up perfect profiteroles with one hand, while ironing her bed sheets with the other. Marie's had enough: this is the year it all changes. She vows to follow - to the letter - recipes from the Queen of Baking and at all times ask 'What would Mary Berry do?' Husband Robert has noticed that his boss takes crumb structure as seriously as budget sheets and so puts on the pinny: serious redundancies are on the horizon. Twins Rose and Iris are happy to eat all the half-baked mistakes that come their way, but big brother Angus is more distant than usual, as if something is troubling him. And there is no one as nosey as a matching pair of nine-year-old girls . . . Marie starts to realise that the wise words of Mary Berry can help her with more than just a Victoria Sponge. But can Robert save the wobbling souffle that is his career? And is Lucy's sweet demeanour hiding something secretly sour?" What Would Mary Berry Do is out in July 2014. (Note: Mary Berry is an English food writer and television presenter.)