The Kitchen Front

 I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel set in World War Two called The Kitchen Front. The author if Jennifer Ryan. Two years into the war with Nazi Germany, there are food shortages in Britain. A radio host sponsors a cooking contest over a three month span of time. Each month features a different course (salad, entree, dessert). Four woman compete. One is wealthy and wants to win to get rid of an increasingly hostile husband. One is a servant who wants to graduate out of servitude. One is a chef trying to gain attention in a predominantly male vocation. One is trying to keep her family of four going after her husband was killed in action.  All of the contestants use substitutes for foods that are scarce (sugar, meat, fat). All this makes for a great story including recipes.