John Saturnall's Feast by Elizabeth Norfolk

Set in 17th-century England, this richly imagined historical novel follows a foundling who rises from humble beginnings to become a celebrated pastry chef whose imaginative confections win the favor of the elite. His ambition and talent entwine with a fragile love and complex friendships, while political upheaval, personal betrayals, and the harsh realities of plague and poverty threaten to consume the life he’s built, exploring themes of art, power, and the costs of social ascent.

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