'Delicious . . . Friendship, rivalry and exposed secrets, all gorgeously told' - Elle

There are many reasons to bake: to feed; to create; to impress; to nourish; to define ourselves; and, sometimes, it has to be said, to perfect. But often we bake to fill a hunger that would be better filled by a simple gesture from a dear one. We bake to love and be loved.

In 1966, Kathleen Eaden, cookery writer and wife of a supermarket magnate, published The Art of Baking, her guide to nurturing a family by creating the most exquisite pastries, biscuits and cakes.

Now, five amateur bakers are competing to become the New Mrs Eaden. There's Jenny, facing an empty nest now her family has flown; Claire, who has sacrificed her dreams for her daughter; Mike, trying to parent his two kids after his wife's death; Vicki, who has dropped everything to be at home with her baby boy; and Karen, perfect Karen, who knows what it's like to have nothing and is determined her facade shouldn't slip.

As unlikely alliances are forged and secrets rise to the surface, making the choicest choux bun seems the least of the contestants' problems. For they will learn - as Mrs Eaden did before them - that while perfection is possible in the kitchen, it's very much harder in life.

Praise for THE ART OF BAKING BLIND

'Clever and compelling. I loved this!' Nina Stibbe, bestselling author of Love, Nina

'Fabulous' - Good Housekeeping

'The Art of Baking Blind is gorgeous. Not just to look at and touch, but Sarah's writing is beautiful. She pulls you in, she captivates you and you just don't want to leave . . . Mouth-watering' - novelicious

'Heavenly' - Candis

'Warm, wise and inspiring, an utterly delicious novel.' Polly Williams, bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy

'Attention fans of GBBO! If you can drag yourself away from the doughy goings-on in the famous tent, you're sure to love this story' - New