The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice - Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, Allyson Charles (Kensington - Sept 2019)

Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …

Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

Sweet Magic - Donna Kauffman

Good story. Bree is the latest in her family to work at the family bakery. Within the family, it is an accepted fact that some members have a magic touch when it comes to baking. Bree hasn't yet experienced that phenomenon and is beginning to despair that she ever will. That is until Caleb comes into the shop. Suddenly those Italian cookies have a little extra zing to them.

Caleb is in Moonbright to help his Uncle George with his restaurant while George and his wife are on vacation. Caleb does not expect to become fascinated with the baker down the street. He has enough on his plate, trying to figure out what is going on with the restaurant.

Neither Bree nor Caleb can explain why they are drawn together so strongly. It makes no sense because Bree is planted firmly in Moonbright and Caleb is only in town for six weeks or so before he goes back to Philadelphia. But as Caleb gets deeper into the problems at the restaurant, Bree is there to help him. There is no doubt about the attraction between them, but both try hard to resist it. Neither one wants to hurt the other or suffer a broken heart. I ached for them both, as it was clear that their hearts were already deeply involved, but neither could see a way to make it happen. I liked how honest they were about the pros and cons of being together. When the truth behind his uncle's troubles comes to light, Bree and Caleb have to work together to find a solution. It takes the help of family, especially Bree's grandmother, for them to get their happy ending.

I liked seeing Caleb come into his own as he worked through the restaurant's troubles. Though an excellent chef, he avoided the front of the house like the plague in his family's restaurant. In Moonbright, he had to do it all and discovered that he was better at it than he expected. I liked seeing him work with his sister, Cassie, to find the problem and fix it in a way that preserved his uncle's pride. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Cassie. I also liked seeing Bree find her groove at the bakery. Her grandmother's support was critical, and I liked how Sofia helped Bree through her doubts. I loved the scene in the epilogue with Clark Kent and Wonder Woman.

Love Spells Disaster - Allyson Charles

Cassie is a recent arrival in Moonbright. She chose the town because of their focus on Halloween, which is her favorite holiday. Now that she has settled in, she is ready to look for a man in her life. Due to a rough childhood, Cassie has particular requirements for a potential mate. Having had her fill of bad boys, she sets her sights on her boss, an uptight, strait-laced man who has the security she craves. Unfortunately for her, he is oblivious to her interest, so she looks to the tried and true "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." She stops at the Bellaluna Bakery where Sophia gives her two special cookies along with the instructions to be open to whatever comes her way.

Disaster ensues when her boss turns down the cookie because he's in training for a marathon. When she munches a cookie herself, she chokes and is rescued by a visitor to the office. Chip helps himself to the other cookie, but Cassie wants no part of a man who doesn't check her boxes. Chip, on the other hand, is immediately attracted to Cassie. I had a bit a trouble with Cassie here, as she was quite rude and judgmental toward him. She redeemed herself somewhat by feeling guilty and did eventually apologize.

Chip and Cassie are thrown together when she needs a handyman to build her haunted house for Halloween. I liked seeing them together here as their efforts gave them the chance to get to know each other. Chip comes to understand what drives Cassie and has the patience to overcome her fears. Though Cassie tries to resist Chip's appeal, it isn't too long before she realizes that they have more in common than she thought. There were some pretty funny scenes as Cassie experiences one disaster after another in her pursuit of the wrong man. I liked the ending as Cassie finally realized the treasure she had. I also loved how Chip loves all of Cassie's Halloween quirkiness.

Sweet on You - Kate Angell

My favorite of the three stories. The story opens with Lara in the bakeshop where she is cruelly and publicly dumped by her boyfriend. To add insult to injury, she also runs into her landlord who informs her that the rent on her apartment is going up, and her employer can't guarantee she'll have a job past Christmas. Enter the mayor and his coworkers for their daily coffee break. The shop is crowded, and Jack ends up sitting with Lara. Sophia brings them some of her cookies and Jack and Lara chat for a while. A caring man with a big heart, it doesn't take long for Jack to get Lara to tell him of her troubles. He invites her to stop by his office if her job hunt isn't successful.

I loved both Jack and Lara. Lara is a sweet woman, a bit short and curvy, and a little insecure because of it. She is also smart, organized, and determined. Jack is a great mayor. He has the love and respect of the townspeople, and he loves them right back.

I loved the development of the relationship between Lara and Jack. They knew each other in school, where each had a crush on the other but never did anything about it. I loved hearing about how Lara attended all of Jack's hockey games, and that he knew she was there. Jack is currently swamped with the details for the Halloween parade, which leaves him little time for doing actual mayor work. After getting a chance to talk to Lara, he realizes that she would be perfect as the town's event planner and hires her on the spot. There is also the added bonus of being able to see her every day. Jack is well and truly smitten. Lara is surprised by Jack's attention but is equally attracted to him. Over the next couple of weeks they spend a lot of time together, both for work and personal time. I loved how easy it was for them to talk to each other and share their lives. There were some great scenes of them together. One of my favorites was their day of pumpkin and apple picking, and the heat that built between them all day. There was a brief resurgence of Lara's insecurity at one point, but Jack handled it perfectly. The ending was great.

I loved the setting of the story as Lara and Jack plan the Halloween parade. There are so many moving parts that it takes a truly organized person to make it all work. I adored seeing Lara make the job her own, being flexible when necessary for and firm when she needed to be. It was satisfying to see her stand up to her ex when it came to his demands. I liked Jack's assistant, Donna, and her little nudges of pushing Lara and Jack together. My favorite secondary character was Edna. Though she comes across as quite the grouch at the beginning, both Jack and Lara soon see that there is a side of her that few people know about. I laughed at her nicknames for people and cheered when Lara gave her one of her own. I loved her part in the twist at the end.

 

The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away - Hannah Howell (Zebra - Sept 2019)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen (Book 3)

Off the New England coast, courageous Mehitabel Ampleford wields a rifle to protect her home from a brutish band of men who are after her land. She will not be intimidated, but their attacks are growing fiercer, and just as their latest confrontation threatens violence, a bold stranger appears out of the ocean mists to send the raiders packing.

Geordie MacEnroy has seen the ravages of war in his mountain town—and in the injuries suffered by his youngest brother; now, his restless soul is calling him to find sanctuary by the sea. His long journey to the beautiful coastline of his adopted homeland feels like a new beginning as lovely Mehitabel, so wise and self-sufficient, offers blessed hope for healing his brother’s wounds. Geordie envisions a beautiful life with her as his bride, but a woman who has fought so fearlessly for her home may not willingly surrender all for his love . . .

This is the third book in the series, and though it can be read as a stand-alone, the experience will be richer if the first two books are read first. It opens as Geordie debates with himself about whether to give in to his urge to see the Atlantic Ocean again. It has been years since the family emigrated from Scotland, but Geordie remembers the peace he felt watching the waves. However, he hesitates about leaving his family behind. When a family friend stops by on his way home to Maine, Geordie decides to tag along with James since there is safety in numbers. Youngest brother Robbie also wants to come, looking for a way to test himself after the horrific injuries he received in the previous book.

One of the things I like best about the MacEnroy family is their support of each other. Oldest brother Iain is protective of them all but also understands that each must find their own path. I love the honest conversations about dreams and expectations, and the knowledge that home will always be there. As Geordie, Robbie, and James head off on their journey, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the sights along the way. The effects of the Civil War are still evident in the people and places, something that makes an impression on Geordie. I liked the way that Geordie and James watched out for Robbie without babying him, respecting that he knows what he's capable of. There was a bit of excitement on one leg of the journey as the men came to the rescue of a woman and her child. I liked Geordie's calm handling of the matter, and especially enjoyed the "awkward stumble" gambit. Their good deed plays a part later in the book. When they reach the end of the train journey, they ride in the direction of James's home, and along the way discover a woman being threatened by an obnoxious neighbor.

Mehitabel, or Belle, faces off with a neighbor who wants her land and becomes increasingly threatening in his attempts to get it. She has no intention of giving in, as the property is part of a long-standing family trust. When three strangers arrive in time to assist her in sending the bullies packing, she is more than happy to rent them rooms. Belle is a woman of many talents - healer, baker, clam-digger, innkeeper. She is feisty and independent, but also warm, loving, and loyal to her family.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Belle and Geordie. When Robbie is injured, Belle's healing skills are needed. Taking care of him brings Geordie and Belle closer together. I liked the time they spent together talking about their lives and their families. The sparks between them built into a passion they were quick to give in to. It also left each of them wondering where it would lead. Belle's life and family are there by the ocean, and Geordie's is rooted in the Ozarks. An added complication arrives in the form an orphaned little girl. I loved how Geordie and Belle are able to talk about their options and possibilities. The visit to his family was an eye-opener for Belle, and I enjoyed seeing her reactions. I had to laugh a little at the way she and Geordie were ganged up on, but it was all with good intentions. Geordie was especially adorable in the way that he would get flustered when he tried to explain his feelings to Belle. There was a fun bit at the end as he tried to figure out a way to make her see an essential bit of information. The epilogue was a terrific look at the immediate future and the added chaos of visitors.

I also enjoyed following the trials of dealing with her obnoxious neighbor. Bennet was bound and determined to get her land and willing to do anything to succeed. I liked the ways that she stood up to him and countered his moves. It was interesting to see the way that the land was protected. There were some unexpected twists, such as when her aunt was booted from her home by a greedy brother and sister-in-law. Assistance came from an unexpected source and came with an added benefit. The problem with Bennet came to a satisfactory end thanks to the sheriff and his loss of patience with Bennet's antics.

Of the secondary characters, my favorites were Aunt Mary and the two children, Abel and Morgan. Mary is a mature woman with a practical attitude and a dry sense of humor. She also doesn't suffer fools gladly, and the issue with her brother and the house frustrates her. Abel and Morgan were both adorable and mischievous. I liked the way that Morgan and Geordie connected on the train journey and the impression that he made on the little girl. I ached for what she went through and cheered at her resilience. Her reactions to Abel were funny. Abel was a piece of work himself. I loved his energy and his obvious love for his sister. It was fun to see his interactions with Geordie and Robbie, but the real winner was when he was faced with Morgan. The scene with the frog was a riot.

 

Shelter From the Storm - Patricia Davids (LI #1231 - Sept 2019)

Series: North Country Amish (Book 2)

An Amish marriage of convenience

Secretly pregnant and unwed, Gemma Lapp has a difficult choice -- face her Amish community or raise her baby alone. But when a storm strands Gemma in the wilderness with her former crush, Jesse Crump, she knows her secret won't be safe for long. Gemma can't imagine trusting a man again…until Jesse proposes a marriage of convenience. Could their arrangement lead to love?

Good combination of a second chance romance with an enemies-to-lovers story. Gemma and Jesse have an awkward history. Eighteen months earlier Gemma had made a pest of herself, flirting with Jesse and following him everywhere. Envious of her married friends, she chose Jesse as the most likely candidate for her husband. Jesse wasn't interested. Eight years older than Gemma, with a difficult past, Jesse saw her as spoiled. When Gemma took the untraditional route of suggesting marriage to him, Jesse's response wasn't kind, and Gemma retaliated with harsh words of her own. She then left for Florida, looking for something different than her life in Maine. Now Gemma has returned to Maine with her tail between her legs. The man she thought she loved deserted her when he found out she was pregnant. She heads for home, hoping for understanding and acceptance from her parents, but fearing the worst.

I liked both Jesse and Gemma. Jesse hasn't had an easy life and has a chip on his shoulder because of it. Son of a single mother and a big man, he was bullied through most of his childhood. He tends to be something of a recluse, doesn't talk much, and is insecure about his intelligence. Jesse is also a good man with a kind heart. When he encounters Gemma, stranded and broke, he gets her a motel room and offers her a ride home. He hasn't forgotten the things she said, but he has other things on his mind - namely an auction for some land he wants. Gemma is a changed woman. The spoiled girl who left for Florida has been replaced by one who has learned some hard lessons. Jesse's help makes her remember how horrible she was to him and adds to the stress she feels. Her mind is consumed by thoughts of the future and decisions she has to make.

The trip home doesn't go as expected. A blizzard and a wrecked truck strand them in an isolated area as their driver goes for help. Things are awkward at first as the mistakes of the past come between them. I liked that Gemma made the first overtures by apologizing, though Jesse was a little slow to believe. As the danger of their situation increased, I loved how Jesse stayed cool and calm, eventually taking action to keep them safe. I liked how the forced togetherness gave them the opportunity to clear the air and begin to really get to know each other. I loved how Jesse appreciated Gemma's outspokenness and she his somewhat dry sense of humor. Their teasing was fun to see, especially the parts about tree bark and cattails. Rescue, when it came, brought surprise revelations and changes.

I ached for Gemma and her fears for her future. Her arrival home was painful as she confessed what had happened. Reactions were mixed and left her wondering about the right thing to do. Jesse had decisions to make, as well. He was surprised by his continuing concern for Gemma and confused about what to do. He surprised me with his reaction to her father's offer, and then his offer to Gemma. Both of them struggled with their feelings and their reluctance to tell the other about them. A medical emergency forced them each to face those feelings. Jesse melted my heart with his actions and his overwhelming feelings of love and protectiveness. Gemma's strength and determination were fantastic. I loved seeing how Hope brought them together and ached at how their insecurities preyed on their fears. It took the advice from good friends to help them past those final obstacles. I loved Jesse's big moment at the end. I would have liked an epilogue, but hopefully, they will make appearances in later books.