A Cinderella story with a compelling culinary twist, Thomas's scrumptious Victorian confection (after Private Arrangements
) proves impossible to resist. Madame Verity Durant works for Bertram “Bertie” Somerset at his estate, Fairleigh Park—after serving as the mistress he failed to marry (due to a questionable background that includes an illegitimate child). When Bertie dies unexpectedly at 38, Verity worries as Bertie's “bastard-born” brother, Stuart—now London's foremost barrister —takes over the estate. Verity had shared a secret, mouthwatering affair with Stuart 10 years earlier, and she doesn't expect him to keep her on, especially since he's affianced to the very proper Miss Lizzy Bessler. What ensues, however, is “happiness on a plate,” as Thomas shows that hunger for passion, and madeleines, never dies. (Aug.)
