Cherie Colyer's Blog, page 20

The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner

Today's cozy read takes up to Harper Falls. Enjoy!


Blurb
Hannah Tate is raising her children alone after her husband's death. Keeping her homestead running isn't easy but when chores get done that she didn't do, she wonders who her mysterious helper is. Her daughter insists it’s The Gingerbread Man who comes late at night. But Hannah has no time for such nonsense. Or does she?
John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living. When circumstance bring him to meet the woman he’s been helping in secret, he doesn’t expect to find love once again. But he’ll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever.
Read it todayAmazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub

A Maple Cookie Homecoming by Judy Ann Davis

Today's book is a magically feel-good story about a small town in Vermont. 


Blurb
When Julien Franklin returns home for Christmas after retiring from the military, his first mission is to taste his home town's maple cookies and find office space for his civilian website business. He's delighted to find the apartment above The Book Bin bookstore is for rent and owned by his old high school sweetheart.
Natalie Pinkett, widow and single parent, has some tragic secrets gnawing at her soul, but she needs to rent the empty rooms to help with her many expenses. To complicate matters, an old love will be literally working above her head—and he owns a rambunctious puppy her daughter has fallen in love with.
Can Julien woo the pretty bookstore owner and get her to reveal her painful past? Will the two be able to cross the divide of twenty-four years and find love again?
Read it todayAmazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub



Peek between the pages

“I stopped in for a take-out,” Simon said with a bemused look. “I’m not spying on you.”

“You’re welcome to join us,” Natalie offered.

“No, he’s not.” Julien glowered at his little brother and kicked him in the shin under the table. “Right, Simon?” There was more than a tinge of warning in his voice.

“Rats. My shin is telling me I can’t. Sorry, Natalie.” A pained chuckle followed. He took a sip from his to-go cup and eyeballed his brother over the lid.

Natalie raised an eyebrow. “Did you just kick your brother in the shin?”

“I plan to put my foot somewhere else if he doesn’t vamoose.”

“He’s one tough dude.” Simon smirked. “Except for mornings. And I should warn you, Natalie, he can be a very grouchy Grinch.”


I hope you enjoyed today's peek between the pages. Browse recent blog posts for more holiday romances.

Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies by N. Jade Gray

 

Today's cozy romance is Kisses and Lemon Snowflake Cookies by N. Jade Gray. Enjoy!


Blurb
Return to Cedar Bend, CO
Fireman Dustin Keith didn't realize women would be coming out of the woodwork after he posed for the local fundraiser calendar. But the one who catches his eye is a baker with trust issues. Can he scale the wall she's built around her heart, or is fate destined to extinguish the flames of desire before they engulf his heart?
Lauren Badini came to Cedar Bend to lend a helping hand at her aunt's bakery, not fall for Mr. July. The image on the calendar she received last Christmas fueled her fantasies, but the in-person version is too hot to handle. But if life after her ex has taught her anything, it's okay to look...but don't touch.
Read it todayAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Bookbub


Peek between the pages
The crisp odor of burnt cookies wafted through the kitchen at Josie’s Delights. Lauren Badini’s eyes teared up as the acrid smell assaulted her nose. Aunt Josie wouldn’t be happy if the business burned down to the ground.

“No. No. No.” Lauren abandoned her lemon snowflake cookie batter and grabbed a pair of potholders. Smoke poured out of the oven as she lowered the door. A choke escaped as the cloud cloaked her in a moment of darkness. Through the haze she rushed to open the nearby door.

The crisp winter air filtered into the bakery, eliminating some of the smoke. Tears still threatened as she glanced back at the oven. The poor gingerbread men lay curled in a fetal position on the cookie sheet. Great. Murder could be added to her cooking repertoire. Another choke clawed its way up her throat. Her hand shook as she retrieved a potholder to rescue the cookies and deposit the sheet onto a nearby counter.

The pleasant smells from earlier of cinnamon and sweet spices were gone. This wasn’t the best way to start the holiday season.

A shriek escaped as a man burst into the kitchen through the door she’d opened moments before.

His gaze darted about before he exclaimed, “Fire department. Is there a fire?”

“No. Just a lot of smoke.” A wave of her hand didn’t dispel the haze that still hung in the air.

“Ma’am, are you all right?”

“I’m fine, but the gingerbread men didn’t survive.”

His gaze shot to where she pointed. Shivers chased down her spine, and goose bumps rose on her arms as another gust of fresh winter air filtered in from the open door. Who could have guessed when she awoke this morning hypothermia or smoke inhalation would be on her agenda? She wiped her watering eyes and stared at the man standing before her. “Mr. July.” An embarrassed wheeze escaped as she realized she muttered the words aloud. Her aunt had given her the fireman’s calendar from Cedar Bend, Colorado, last year as a Christmas gift. In the kitchen with her was the fireman who posed for July. Her favorite month. And he stood before her fully clothed with a concerned frown upon his face. Did he catch her words?


I have a few more books to finish up the list. See you tomorrow!

Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons by Amey Zeigler

Today's cozy cookie romance is Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons by Amey Zeigler. Enjoy!

Blurb
Baking enthusiast Livi Hanson never misses Jean-Marc's online videos. Hoping to save money for pastry school, she agrees to nanny over Christmas break in Switzerland for generous overtime pay.

To expand his audience, pastry chef and internet star Jean-Marc Dobrinsky scores a contract for a network TV slot with one caveat: he needs an attractive co-host who equals him in the kitchen.

When she's invited to bake with Jean-Marc, Livi must prove she has the culinary chops, and Jean-Marc must put aside his pride. Can they rise to the challenge, or will it flop?

Read it todayAmazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub


Peek between the pages
The food looked perfect.

Jean-Marc surveyed the party held in the ballroom of the Grand Hôtel de Vevey. A young woman lingered near his pastries. Her hair tumbled about her shoulders in waves like ribbons of homemade caramel. Her figure had perfect curves. He switched out some platters near her. He’d seen her before, but where?

She brought a pastry to her nose. “A hint of cardamom and clove. Interesting choice.”

He arched a brow. She had to be an experienced smellier to pick out those flavors. He leaned

closer. “Did you try the lavender-honey baklava?”

She glanced up and then stepped back. A gasp left her lips.

He dropped his jaw. The young woman from the epicerie! Did she recognize him from the

store? Did she recognize him from the show?

Her eyes widened. “You!” she said in English.

A pastel blush tinged her cheeks. “Me!” He couldn’t help but be a little tickled at her surprise. A flash hit his stomach. “Where are your children? I hope you got them something to eat.”

Then her eyes narrowed. “They are not my children. And yes, I got them something to eat.”

She pointed to a table where the two sat and ate. “Are you often in the habit of making hungry

children wait for you?”

Not her children? He warmed inside. So she wasn’t their maman. “I needed those

strawberries for tonight.” Did she even know who she was talking to? He smirked.

She thrust up her chin. “You should never be in too much of a rush to be kind.”

“Don’t you think my efforts paid off?” He pointed to his masterpieces. Color and texture

mingled on the table. Aromas of orange, anise, and rose brushed against his nose. The strawberries—the very berries he bought at the last minute—stacked on top of a chocolate cake.

“Your cookies are too crunchy.”

She bit into one as if to prove her point. Sugar cookie crumbs fell from her perfect red lips. Shaking his head, he crossed his arms and studied her jeans, running trainers, and ponytail.

“You must be American.”

Want more holiday romances? Did you see...

Fortune Cookie Christmas by Jeanne Kern The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes by Marilyn Barr Chocolate Chip Christmas Wishes by Nicole McCaffrey Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For by Wendy Kendall Ginger Snapped by Shelley White 

Ginger Snapped by Shelley White

 

Ginger Snapped was such a fun read filled with friendship and great characters. You might even find yourself swooning for a very handsome and chivalrous park ranger. I know I did. 
 
Blurb
Ranger Eli Vance is done dating crazy redheads. Yet, he still finds himself attracted to one particular camper who seems crazier than usual. Former Scissortail Scout, Chelsea Davis just wants to make it through the alumni campout with her friends without freezing her tail off. She's trying to make the best of it, but the handsome ranger keeps crossing her path at the worst possible moments. He probably thinks she’s nuts. After an accidental night together and an enlightening cookie exchange, they find themselves closer than they'd planned. Does Eli need a little crazy in his life to be happy or are he and Chelsea still too distant to tempt a relationship?
Grab your copyAmazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub



Peek between the pages
"Be careful, there.” He started following her.

Did he just smile? The corner of his mouth flinched, and his dimple appeared for a split second. She couldn’t worry about that now or—she stumbled back over a small branch and landed in the leaves-- she’d land on her butt. Now she knew for sure he was trying not to laugh at her.

“Do you need a hand up?” He held a gloved hand out to her.

“No! I’ve got it.” Chelsea got to her feet, still keeping her backside hidden. “You know, I think it’s gotten warmer out. My goodness, I don’t even need this.” She unzipped her coat and pulled it off, then tied it around her waist, effectively covering the offending area. The cold penetrated her remaining layers immediately. “P-perfect. I’m g-gonna g-go see if Amy needs help with b-breakfast.” She clenched her teeth together in an effort to keep her jaw still.

“All right, you take care and stay on the paths. It’s not really that warm out. If you’re not feeling the cold anymore, you might be experiencing hypothermia. I’ll follow you back to your campsite to make sure.”

“No! I’m good. I mean, I’m cold, f-freezing, actually. I’m sure I’ll see you later, R-ranger. Have a g-good morning!” She spun around and quickly exited the forest. Once back on the road, she headed back to camp rather than finish her run. She needed dry clothes, hot coffee, and a warm fire, s.t.a.t. That man probably thought her nuts.

Stop back by for more holiday romances. 

Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For by Wendy Kendall

 

Today's book is a thrilling mystery wrapped in a cozy romance. 
Dez’s secret Santa project for her class turns terrifying when a secret admirer stalks her. There are a few suspects, including her new boyfriend. Wendy Kendall did a wonderful job keeping me guessing. Snow Kiss Cookies to Die For is an entertaining novella with a sweet (possibly deadly) romance, strong writing, and great characters. It's a great holiday story and a quick entertaining read.


Blurb
First grade teacher Desiree Tucker is on the brink of winter holidays with her new, romantic boyfriend when danger encroaches on her joy. Ominous, untraceable texts buzz on her cell phone. Terrifying secret Santa gifts show up for her in the classroom. As the stalker moves closer to the prey, Desiree doesn’t know who she can trust. Her charming new man is a prime suspect. Is he a deadly stalker? If not him, who? What can she learn from the legend of the snow kiss cookie? Just when she’s starting to believe in magic again, she finds herself fighting for her life.
Read it todayAmazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub

Peek between the pages
Dez made a beeline for her secret Santa stocking. Her excitement matched her students’ as she took down her stocking and reached inside. She pulled out the cardboard, and her heartbeat sped up. One look and her heartbeat pounded.

The card was a picture of Santa in his sleigh with reindeer. Her smile faded seeing a cut out photo of her face pasted on the drawn figure next to Santa. Where did that picture come from? The caption read: Secret Santa may sleigh you if you’re not a good girl

No signature. A secret and creepy Santa. Would Leo give her this? There was a bump in the toe of the stocking. She shook it upside down over the counter and a sprig of holly with berries fell out. From Saturday night’s heart wreath?

Dez looked around, including out the windows. Was anyone watching? The idea of someone putting up a stocking with her name was odd enough, but with this inside? Her phone vibrated. It was from the anonymous sender.

Her hand shook as she clicked on it and read, How did you like your card?

Browse my blog for more holiday romances in The Wild Rose Press Christmas Cookie series.

Chocolate Chip Christmas Wishes by Nicole McCaffrey

Today's book is a match made in the North Pole. 

Blurb
Jake Mistletoe is the North Pole's resident bad boy. Half elf, half human, he is the only child of a single mother who just happens to be Santa's head elf. Fed up with his wild, partying ways and lack of direction, his mother sends him to the real world for a dose of reality.
Lucy Prescott is all alone in this world. Since the death of the grandparents who raised her, she has struggled to keep their Christmas novelty shop running in a dated, dying Christmas-themed tourist town.
When Jake appears in town, magic seems to be in the air. For the first time in ages, life holds excitement, and Lucy finds herself wondering … what if?
Grab your copy
Amazon  | Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub


 Peek between the pages
She studied him as he sat up. Unconscious, the several days’ growth of stubble and mussed dark hair looked sloppy. But awake, that disheveled look gave him a devil-may-care aura. How had she missed the chiseled jaw line, the dark brows that framed eyes fringed with long, sooty lashes or the fact that he was drop dead gorgeous?

He looked around the room, wiped a hand over his face and turned a slow half circle on the couch, gaping at the racks of holiday ornaments, animated characters, motion-activated novelties and Santa figures that played Christmas tunes.

She cleared her throat to draw his attention. “Good afternoon.”

He yanked the Santa hat from his head and pulled a frown before tossing it aside.

For lack of anything else to say, she chose the standard, cheery greeting used by locals. “Welcome to Christmasville, where it’s Christmas all year long.”

He turned to her with eyes a startling shade of blue. “Let me guess. I died, and this is Hell.”



Stop by again to discover more holiday romances.

The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes by Marilyn Barr

 

The Spy Who Loved My Russian Tea Cakes is a delightful holiday romance full of steamy romance, great writing, and just the right amount of mystery that kept me turning the pages.

Blurb
Reiki Practitioner Cassie Morgan is the black sheep of her family. She would rather work over the Christmas holidays than answer her family’s interrogation about her non-existent love life and career choices. She assures herself it has nothing to do with the handsome coma patient, Sergei Chekov who stars in her dreams.
Sergei wakes from blackness and dreams of a siren’s call. He isn’t sure who he can trust when the woman from his dreams walks into his room with his favorite childhood treat to jog his memory. Despite his attraction to her, he must escape to safety.
Cassie is heartbroken and left with nothing but questions. Who was the woman who convinced her to wake Sergei? Why is the FBI involved? And will she ever see Sergei again or will she be left to pine over the spy who loved Russian tea cakes?
Grab your copy today!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Bookbub


Peek between the pages
“Of course, but I’m not a nurse. I’m the Reiki—”

“Yes, the spiritual healer. You are the one I meant to find. I knew it the minute I saw you.”

“Great, then lead the way.” I gesture to the stairs behind her and regret not asking her if she would prefer the elevator. Together we shuffle at a snail’s pace.

“My Sergei’s room is the first one at the top of the stairs, dearie.” She puffs with each step. I reach out to help her, but most of our residents find a helping hand to be a dig against their independence. I push open the door to the hall and wait for her to step through. She then waits regally for me to open the door to her son’s room. “Sergei is in bad shape. He needs you to wake him up. He’s in a coma, you see.”

“If he’s not consenting, then I don’t think I can—”

“He would want your help. I know it. As his only relative, I give consent on his behalf. You are his only hope.” She’s on the brink of tears. Her gnarled hands tangle handfuls of her sweater set like she’s wringing out a washrag. My heart pounds. Coma healing is a gray area in the number one rule of energetic healing. Never journey on someone’s behalf without their consent. Would Leslie fault me for calling her so soon after she left?

“Please, for a mother’s love.”


More Christmas cookie romances to come.

Fortune Cookie Christmas by Jeanne Kern

 

Up today is Fortune Cookie Christmas by Jeanne Kern. Enjoy!

Blurb
Haley can’t face Christmas. Her super-critical family always hate her presents and her life. It’s her turn to prepare the holiday dinner, but her apartment kitchen is too small for anything but toast. Besides, she can’t cook.
When a cookie fortune turns out to be an ad—for Madam Zelda, fortune teller—Haley makes a desperate decision.
Chef Zach is the mastermind behind the ad, and he and Zelda show Haley a fortune cookie can be full of surprises, solutions, and love.
Read it todayAmazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  
 
Peek between the pages
One day. Only one day. Everything was different. Her family was coming, and the nerves that had been vibrating violin strings were now pulls of taffy. Fortune cookie magic. It was the only explanation.

Browse my blog for more Christmas Cookie books!

Shortbread Shakedown by Sofia Aves

Today's book shakes things up a bit. Enjoy!


About the book
A package determined to derail his scheduled future delivered by a mystery woman. A tiny note hints at who she is—and how to find her.
When veteran and acting Brigadier General Dominic Cage returns from deployment days before Christmas, he's unprepared for the shortbread cookies pressed into his hands in a case of mistaken identity by a stunning woman. Unable to forget her, Cage trusts Violet's promise of a true Christmas—until the lines of his reality blur.
Damaged and resolute, and unable to escape the gunfire that haunts him, Cage's choice could cost them everything.
Grab your copy!Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Goodreads  |  Bookbub



Peek between the pages
The girl checked over her shoulders with wide eyes, her hair flying at all angles.

“It’s fine,” I held up my hands, palms open, “it happened.” Attempting to cover my ass with a smile, as if I hadn’t just tried to kiss her in the middle of a crowded airport.

She blinked at me. “I’m sorry.”

Sharp corners poked into my palm, a crinkling at waist level diverted my attention to the small package she pressed into my hands. I curled my fingers around it by reflex. In a flurry of honey-colored curls, she disappeared into the crowd that closed over her path.

I hefted the small bag, examining the shortbread cookies wrapped in cellophane. A tiny, yellow ribbon was tied at the top in a neat knot, and a little handmade tag sat to one side. A jaunty sprig of holly propped it up.

To Max, love Violet.

The crowd swelled, disguising her retreat. Carols cranked over the loudspeaker system, overriding the chatter of hundreds of people stuffed into a too—small space.

Plastic reindeer held me with their fixed stare as I pushed my way to where I thought she had headed, her scent dissipating into the crowd around us. I barely registered the man who appeared next to me, taking my bag from my shoulder. My driver introduced himself to deaf ears.

All I wanted was to find the honey-blonde curls of the woman who had ghosted into my life and disappeared.
 

Did you miss these holiday romances?

Luring the Lykan with Almond Macarons by Leslie BrownThe Nutcracker by Jeanna KernRed Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles by Maria ImbalzanoSnickerdoodle Snowmen by Sarita LeoneMagic and Midnight Mint Bars by Iona MorrisonMacaroons by Moonlight by Annette MillerMerry Little Wishing Spritz by Cherie ColyerCoconut Macaroon Scandal Virginia BarlowLinzer Tarts and Broken Hearts by Carol HenrySnowdrop Cookie Wishes by Laura StricklandKris’s Kringles by Linda Bleser