Cassie Blake seems to lead a charmed life as the heiress to Fenton’s, San Francisco’s most exclusive department store. But when she discovers her husband, Aidan, a handsome UC Berkeley professor, has had an affair with a student, she flees to the comfort of her best friend Alexis’s Presidio Heights mansion, where she wonders if she should give their marriage one more chance.

Whether or not she can forgive Aidan is not the only choice Cassie has to make. Cassie’s mother is eager to have her oversee the opening of Fenton’s new Food Emporium, which Fenton’s hopes will become San Francisco’s hottest gourmet shopping destination. Cassie’s true passion has always been food, not fashion, and Cassie suspects her mother might be trying to lure her into the Fenton’s fold by entrusting her with such an exciting opportunity. And then there is James, the architect designing the Emporium, who is quietly falling in love with her…

My Review:

First of all, the book cover does not do the book justice!!  I would have loved to have seen a red box or “princess” bag from Fenton’s because of the vivid detail Anita Hughes describes the bags and boxes at Fenton’s, a department store that becomes a focal point in the storyline.

Aside from the cover, I absolutely loved the book!  I connected with the characters, loved the plot, and enjoyed following the twists and turns throughout the book.  While I am not a fashionista by any means, I found myself mesmerized with the detail of Fenton’s (a department store), the fashion styles described in the book, and the trendy, wealthy customers that passed through Fenton’s each day.  There was such detail to the art, organic food co-op and emporium, that it made me feel that I was there.  Despite the detail, the storyline did not get bogged down with so much information.  Rather, it enhanced the reading experience and made me feel like I was a fly on a wall.

Cassie has some life decisions to make that will certainly alter her future.  Cassie processes her feelings and thoughts about her marriage, her career choices, and the demands of her mother (owner of Fenton’s).  Cassie’s best friend, Alexis helps Cassie through this difficult time as she helps Cassie figure out what to do next.  While the relationship between Cassie and her mother isn’t a primary focus in this book, it certainly affects Cassie in certain business decisions she makes.  I loved Cassie and Alexis’ relationship and how they remained close despite being so different.

While this book will certainly be a favorite among those who love the chick-lit genre, this book certainly crosses over genres that will attract a larger audience of adults.  Market Street will become a book club favorite among women, and a great read for anyone that loves fashion and gourmet food.  Sprinkle in husband/wife issues, mother/daughter issues, and a fork in the road with a career choice, and it is a recipe for a must read!

I hope Anita Hughes will consider a follow-up to this book as I would certainly read that in a minute!!  Buy this book, grab a cup of chai tea, and find a comfortable chair…you will love this book!

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*This book was provided by St. Martin’s Press, in exchange for an honest review.