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Jennifer Gold
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The Ingredients of Us Kindle Edition

by Jennifer Gold (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,799 ratings
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From debut author Jennifer Gold comes a delicious, award-winning novel about the sweet and sour ingredients of life and love.

Elle, an accomplished baker, has a recipe for every event in her life. But when she discovers her husband’s infidelity, she doesn’t know what to make of it. Jam, maybe? Definitely jam.

Fed up with the stale crumbs of her marriage, Elle revisits past recipes and the events that inspired them. A recipe for scones reminds her of her father’s death, cinnamon rolls signify the problematic courtship with her husband, and a batch of chocolate cookies casts Elle in a less-than-flattering light. Looking back, Elle soon realizes that some ingredients were missing all along.

After confronting her husband, Elle indulges her sweet tooth in other ways, including a rebound that just leaves her more confused. As secrets from the past collide with the conflicts of the present, Elle struggles to manage her bakery business and maintain the relationships most important to her. In piecing her life back together, will Elle learn to take the bitter with the sweet?

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  1. Print length
    293 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Lake Union Publishing
  5. Publication date
    July 1, 2019
  6. File size
    3153 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“The tension builds nicely…Readers will enjoy the heroine’s journey of self-discovery and the recipes for the lemon tarts, brownies, scones, chocolate Bundt cake, and other treats she bakes along the way.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The Ingredients of Us is a literary confection filled with multifaceted characters and a compelling story line. Gold’s bittersweet look at love will satisfy any contemporary women’s fiction reader’s sweet tooth.” —Booklist

“A delightful and delicious read, The Ingredients of Us delves into the fabric of marriage and what happens when some ingredients in the relationship are missing. Gold has crafted a smart storyline with memorable characters and mouth-watering recipes that are sure to appeal to fans of Jenny Colgan and Amy E. Reichert.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

“Come for the story of a baker facing a crisis in her marriage. Stay for the recipes – lush, beautiful things, filled with life lessons. From that very first recipe for passive-aggressive blackberry jam, you know you’re in for something special.” —Erica Bauermeister, author of The School of Essential Ingredients

“Take a marriage in crisis, add a heroine you can’t help but root for, and toss in an ending you won’t see coming: Voilà—you’ve got The Ingredients of Us. Jennifer Gold’s debut is deliciously fun.” —Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Woman Last Seen in Her Thirties

“The Ingredients of Us is a delightfully original novel filled with love, regret, and recipes that are themselves like little short stories. You’ll want to cry for Elle as she navigates the breakup of her marriage and flashes back on the earlier, happier days. And then you want to follow her to her kitchen and feast on her buttery concoctions as she finds healing and strength.” —Maddie Dawson, Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners and The Survivor’s Guide to Family Happiness

“A mouthwatering tale that takes you inside a complicated marriage, raising questions about love, fidelity, family, and when career takes over. This book provides a unique take on a perennially interesting topic.” —Elyssa Friedland, author of The Intermission

About the Author

Jennifer Gold believes love is sweet and life is messy, which is probably why she has a passion for writing about the relationships of career-focused women. When she’s not writing books, Gold spends time with her witty husband, sassy horse, and two snuggly cats. Gold holds a master’s degree in writing and lives in Washington State. You can find out more at http://jennifergoldauthor.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GK8SBJZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (July 1, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3153 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 293 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,799 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Gold

Jennifer Gold

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Jennifer Gold writes discussable book club fiction about love, second chances, and self-discovery. She’s the multiaward-winning author of The Ingredients of Us, Keep Me Afloat, Halfway to You, and Polite Calamities.

When she’s not writing, Gold can be found traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or curled up with a book. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two cats.

To hear first about Jenni’s upcoming novels, receive bonus content and sneak peeks, and chat with Gold directly, join her monthly newsletter. You can also connect with Jenni on Instagram: @jennifergoldauthor.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
1,799 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book excellent, interesting, and a perfect summer read. They love the recipes and the writing quality. Readers describe the scenes as rich with sight, sound, mood, and tactile touch. They also say the characters are relatable and interesting. Opinions are mixed on the story quality, with some finding it compelling and touching, while others say it's not compelling.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityRecipesWriting qualityCharacter developmentRomanceStory quality
14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent, interesting, and a perfect summer read. They say it lives up to the author's claim that love is slow.

"...Expect to feel many different emotions in this easy, but beautiful read...." Read more

"...It is fascinating and very telling as their story unfolds. Definitely worth the read." Read more

"This book is a good book, although not my favorite style. I didn't care for the back and forth with the time periods...." Read more

"I absolutely love this ending! What a perfect summer read and lives up to the author's claim that love is sweet and life is messy!..." Read more

12 customers mention "Recipes"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the recipes in the book yummy and delicious. They say the book makes them want to bake.

"...Not a feel good book. Well written and loved the recipes." Read more

"...The recipes are a lovely bonus!..." Read more

"...for a rocky relationship!There are ups&downs,and many yummy recipes for different moods and situations!" Read more

"...I knew from the first chapter I loved this Book and the recipes are a bonus and so cute and funny even, how she has written them, I highly recommend...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book very well-written, wonderfully descriptive, and easy to read. They also say the book is realistic and romantic.

"...Gold’s writing is so magical and she can really transport you into Elle’s mind and make you feel the things she is feeling...." Read more

"...Not a feel good book. Well written and loved the recipes." Read more

"...AMAZING.The entire book is wrapped up in wonderfully descriptive prose interspersed with those drool-worthy recipes and soon I found..." Read more

"...Easy to read, full of realistic and relatable characters, and unique in its style...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters realistic and relatable. They also say the main characters are interesting.

"...Elle and Tom are interesting characters, with Elle being the main character, yet not the narrator even of her own life...." Read more

"...The characters are well developed and engaging. Elle was not a very confident person with her relationships...." Read more

"...Easy to read, full of realistic and relatable characters, and unique in its style...." Read more

"An emotionally touching story. The characters pain and love were so real. Get out your tissues, it's a read jerker." Read more

3 customers mention "Romance"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the romance in the book sweet.

"...What a perfect summer read and lives up to the author's claim that love is sweet and life is messy!..." Read more

"This was a great buildup of love and the letdown to hurt. The hurt took us on a complete journey on the pain of losing love to cheating." Read more

"The book was realistic ~ but also romantic. Relationships are difficult not always perfect.Loved the recipes that were included. A very good read." Read more

19 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story quality. Some mention it's compelling, touching, and interesting. Others say the ending leaves them feeling unsatisfied and the back and forth makes for a tedious read.

"...some of these recipes... Thank you Gold for sharing this wonderful book with the world, what a TREAT!" Read more

"...Tom is just Tom, clueless about either of his wives. The end needed to be more definitive...." Read more

"...This book will surprise you and teach you an unforgettable lesson about human nature, life, and love. The recipes are a lovely bonus!..." Read more

"...It is fascinating and very telling as their story unfolds. Definitely worth the read." Read more

Sweet, promising debut that makes my mouth water for more!
4 out of 5 stars
Sweet, promising debut that makes my mouth water for more!
Elle owns a successful bakery, but her marriage is on the rocks after she discovers husband, Tom, has been cheating on her. The story alternates between before and after the affair so that the reader gets a taste of how Elle and Tom met and what their relationship was like before the split. Will they be able to reconcile? Just like a recipe, how will their lives need to be adjusted so they can both achieve the desired results?"Here's something life doesn't give you: a recipe. You have to make it up as you go along, adjusting accordingly."First of all, this cover, you guys! It makes me want to eat CAKE. Secondly, the whimsical, fun writing drew me in from the very first pages. I am always a sucker for food references in books, and the numerous food metaphors and similes made me happy. Take this one for instance:"As if you yourself were a lemon, let your bitterness pour into this recipe--the more the better. In this case, life's lemons yield sweet lemon curd."Third, the way the author described grief as sometimes hitting out of nowhere was absolutely SPOT ON. Overall, this was a very sweet, promising debut, and it makes my mouth water for more by this author!"There's satisfaction in knowing someone so well... Like a recipe by heart... So familiar that it feels a part of her ... Each knead like an argument, each release a kiss, until something has been made out of practically nothing, a string of separate of ingredients mixed together like a courtship until they make a whole, grown stronger by each trial."Location: Seattle, WashingtonI received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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Top reviews from the United States

Cami Christenson
5.0 out of 5 stars A real treat!!
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
I literally read this entire book in two sittings. You could say I “gobbled” it up it was so good... :) The Ingredients of Us explores the sweet and tart parts of marriage, and life’s ups and downs that go along with it. It took me a couple chapters to get used to the timeline of the story, as the plot jumps around from one event to another to tell how all the events unfold, but I grew to appreciate this style of timeline because you catch little details here and there that piece everything together (for example you can catch little hints of Tom’s foreseeable infidelity and other red flags long before they happen). Tom and Elle have just enough in common to have had their relationship blossom in the past, but they begin drifting apart as they get older because they have different priorities and dreams in life. Tom wants to start a family with Elle, and Elle wants nothing to do with kids, she just wants to focus on her career. I think this is a very real thing that many married/non married couples can experience. It’s a tricky thing to grapple with, but two people can love each other while still being very different from each other. I loved how real the main character, Elle, felt. She is insecure and imperfect, trying to realize her potential and succeed in her career path, while navigating a crumbling marriage. I sympathized with her at many points because I have felt the way she has felt at times in my own life. I like how Gold explores her whirlwind of emotions during the infidelity in her marriage, from anger to sadness, uncertainty and confusion, to vindictive and selfish behavior. Yeah, Elle makes some poor choices, but who hasn’t? She feels like a real person with real feelings and not some perfect heroine that you might expect in a novel like this. Gold’s writing is so magical and she can really transport you into Elle’s mind and make you feel the things she is feeling. I appreciate and applaud Elle for taking control of her career and making that her priority, instead of letting her relationship drama keep her from achieving her dream job. I also really enjoy her friendship with Bonnie because it’s just full of unconditional love and support and women lifting each other up and I love that! Another wonderful thing about this book is the recipes. Oh my GOD! I got so inspired to get in the kitchen and start baking while I read this. I am definitely looking forward to trying some of these recipes... Thank you Gold for sharing this wonderful book with the world, what a TREAT!
5 people found this helpful
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CathyMac
4.0 out of 5 stars Uncomfortable
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2020
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This book just made me uncomfortable. Couples marry without discussing goals or future desires in life. Elle seems selfish and disconnected from Tom. Tom is just Tom, clueless about either of his wives. The end needed to be more definitive. I don't see anything but continued heartache for both these people. Not a feel good book. Well written and loved the recipes.
One person found this helpful
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Sueboo
3.0 out of 5 stars Not enough upside
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
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I read another book of hers, Polite something ? And enjoyed. This was too much angst and was kinda depressing. There should be some one in the book that you actually like
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Big Time Book Junkie
5.0 out of 5 stars Don't read while hungry!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2019
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The story of Elle and Tom, their marriage and lives before and after their marriage pulled me in right away and made me want to know more about them. I eagerly read chapter after chapter of their lives, before Elle knew, after Elle knew and way before she knew.

Her steadfast friend, employee and co-owner Bonnie and her husband Charlie were just as important to the story and easily as likable as Elle and Tom. I loved this story and waited impatiently, wondering how things would turn out.

Did I say I waited impatiently? Well, true, but when I wasn't waiting, I was longing to have a friend that was a baker who would make me all of the delicious sounding recipes in this book! My baker friend never showed up though and I think this author should supply one because damn, these recipes? AMAZING.

The entire book is wrapped up in wonderfully descriptive prose interspersed with those drool-worthy recipes and soon I found myself wanting to know more about Elle and Tom, but wait! Then I wanted more recipes to sigh over. Gosh dang it! Talk about a conundrum. Finish the book or bake? I'm not a baker so I opted to finish without the deliciously enticing treats described within, but I am having cheesecake today, sort of as a consolation prize.

I greatly appreciate having been approved for an ARC at my request. Thanks to the author, Ms. Gold, the publisher Lake Union and Netgalley. My thoughts in this hungry-making review are my own, but suffice it to say that I will be lining up for Ms. Gold's next book and I have already pre-purchased this book as a gift for a friend who loves to bake.
9 people found this helpful
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Terri Babcock
4.0 out of 5 stars So Yummy (Literally)
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
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I loved loved the ending. I’ll start with that. And being familiar with Seattle and its surrounding areas, it felt like home. My only, tiniest little complaint is the format she uses of back and forth in time. Not a fan.
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Loved it
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, touching story of realtionships that will have you in tears (in a good way).
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2019
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The Ingredients of Us is a book about food and relationships. But you'll find you got much more than you bargained for for when you finish it. Expect to feel many different emotions in this easy, but beautiful read. This book will surprise you and teach you an unforgettable lesson about human nature, life, and love. The recipes are a lovely bonus!

Nearly everyone I know who read this got something slightly different from it, which I think is a huge testament to the writing ability of Jennifer Gold. I will never forget this book, and I can't wait to read what she writes next.
5 people found this helpful
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Beth F
3.0 out of 5 stars Didn't like the ending
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
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I liked some parts of this book but I didn't like the ending. I was wanting it to be wrapped up in a simple bow. I can't say more without giving away too much but this definitely left me feeling unsatisfied.
One person found this helpful
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A. Anderson
4.0 out of 5 stars Slow burn, great finish
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2019
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This is an interesting takeaway on what romance can look like. The Ingredients of Us is an ode to the love of baking, and the story of how a relationship like baked goods, can rise and potentially fall. Elle and Tom are interesting characters, with Elle being the main character, yet not the narrator even of her own life. It is fascinating and very telling as their story unfolds. Definitely worth the read.
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Top reviews from other countries

Karen R. Auger
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in Canada on July 26, 2019
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Really enjoyed this well written and insightful book.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful book about life and love
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2019
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Going through my own separation from my husband so it hit me a bit more personally, as I love to bake and can't muster the will after we broke up. I absolutely loved the writers way of jumping back and forth to periods of the relationship, followed by the recipes with the extra insight into life. Enough to make you drool for a taste and think hard about one's own choices. I couldn't stop, had to keep reading and wasn't expecting the ending, but it's absolutely perfect! Highly recommend it. :-)
One person found this helpful
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Wats
5.0 out of 5 stars Gift
Reviewed in Australia on November 5, 2023
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Well received
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Shoegirl
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2019
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I really enjoyed the style of writing in this book, flitting back and forwards through time you could cleary see how Elle and Toms relationship was breaking down. Elle was never truly honest with him about not wanting children, being glad when the pregnancy tests were negative. She knew he wanted kids, his previous marriage had broken up over the issue. I actually felt sorry for Tom much of the time, he thought he knew where they were heading, but they really were not. An affair is never the answer and so I was cross with him for being so weak, I wanted him to be braver and talk, but then I suppose there would be no book.

I enjoyed the ending, Tom must accept that a life with Elle with no children is enough... It was interesting to see a man wanting the family, the woman her career. As always in these situations the woman holds all the cards, there would be no accidental pregnancy as sometimes happens when the woman wants the family...

I have to agree with other readers, I would have liked the recipes to have been written more precisely so you could actually make them. The font used was also awful to read on my kindle.
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Janine K
4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging debut novel with recipes!
Reviewed in Australia on October 6, 2019
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First book of this authors that I have read. It was an easy read and told the story of a marriage breakdown between Elle and Tom. The chapters go back and forth between before and after an affair is discovered, this was not confusing though. Throughout the book there are also recipes for yummy sweet food. If you like food related stories you will love this book.
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