Love and Christmas Cookies

Christmas in Garland Collection #5

by A.M. Heath

There’s only one rule in business: Do NOT fall in love with the competition!

After years of loyalty, Kate Leverett is outraged when the owner of the Cookie Tin plans to sell it out from underneath her. She now has two months to prove she deserves the shop and is not letting anyone stand in her way. Least of all her meddling stepmother or the handsome man waiting to take her place.

Wade Matthews leaves behind his aunt’s cupcake empire to build his own cookie chain. His plan hits a snag when he unintentionally dissolves a longstanding agreement. To right the wrong, he’s managing the store while the local sweetheart competes to steal it away from him.

Kate can’t get Wade to agree on anything, from marketing strategies to cookie designs. Time is running out and there may be more than ownership on the line.

Love and Christmas Cookies is a Pride and Prejudice retelling full of faith, family, romance, and TONS of Christmas cookies.
Buy today and get lost in this heartwarming story of forgiveness and love!



ChristmasPride and Prejudice RetellingEnemies to More RomanceRomantic ComedyGrumpy/SunshineFamily RelationshipsForgivenessWorkplace RomanceSmall TownChristmas BakingMistletoe Kiss

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

About the author

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, ladies’ Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
After years of watching Murder She Wrote, I’ve partnered with my best friend to write Christian cozy mysteries under the pen name Chelsea Michelle. What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). Okay, so I haven’t read that many Pride & Prejudice retellings. In fact, I can’t think of any right now. But regardless, I definitely did not read one where Lizzie + Darcy fight over who gets a cookie business. (The Cookie Tin is a fantastic name, by the way.)

Kate + Wade were enjoyable MCs. I liked how they both contained elements from Lizzie & Darcy. Sarah Grace (Jane) and Todd (Bingley—isn’t Todd the perfect name for him??) were great; Hallie (Kittie/Mary) and Lydia (YKW) were also well done; and I particularly enjoyed Father & Amy as the Bennetts. Having Jane & Lizzie as step-daughters and Mrs. Bennett as a clueless, stifling, well-meaning step-mother (similar, but with room for improvement and real love at the bottom of it all) was just a stroke of brilliancy... another one of which was apologies and reconciliations!! <3 Lady Catherine (obvs), Paisley (Mr. Collins/Miss Bingley/Miss de Bourgh), Nate (Wickham) and his sister (Georgiana, except as Lizzie pictured her instead of how she really was), and finally Colton (Mr. Collins) were also very good.

Like I said, I loved the cookie decorating part, and W&K’s arguments over community vs. business. I was certainly kept hooked through the whole plot and as I mentioned like five times already, I really enjoyed the story!! My only hitch was I found Kate’s romantic backstory odd... the whole part about the one guy who burned her added nothing to the plot that I could see, and didn't have anything to do with P&P; plus, to be honest I just kept thinking that she should stop kissing and dating guys before finding out if they’re cheats or worth keeping. 🤷🏻‍♀️ That just might keep some drama away??? It seems like a reasonable idea to me, anyways, and I couldn’t understand why it didn’t occur to her.

But all in all, I just really enjoyed this book. I feel like this a pretty poor review but I don’t know what else to say! It's quick, fun, light, and has a good dose of serious messages. Thumbs up from me!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book (though I'm kinda sad I've read all the Christmas in Garland novels now). I loved the Pride and Prejudice feels, as well as all the fun baking and sweet romance. This book also packed a punch when it came to the message.

I highly recommend this book and this series.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful that I got to return to Garland, Tennessee for another delightful Christmas tale! As always, A.M. Heath is exceptional at transporting readers to a charming small town where the residents care for one another, and the main characters earnestly desire to become more sanctified in their Christian walks. I loved meeting Kate and Wade and seeing how the story of Pride and Prejudice played out in their romance, especially with all of the fun Easter eggs hidden throughout the book. The title of this book not only made me hungry for cookies, but it made me excited to see how, in the midst of difficult circumstances, the characters demonstrated love toward each other.

The spiritual content is well balanced with the honest struggles that Wade and Kate face, with both taking their fears and hopes to God in prayer. The supporting characters—which in this case include Sarah Grace and Todd acting as Jane and Bingley—are lovely and a huge encouragement to Wade and Kate as they grapple to make sense of what's happening in their hearts and with the cookie shop. Family tensions are accurately depicted, and I appreciate that the author takes the time to address unhealthy relational dynamics. Even if we know what happens between Darcy and Elizabeth, this book avoids the predictable, making it a wonderful surprise to see how the story progresses. Readers wanting a satisfying Jane Austen experience mixed with sweet treats will find much to fall for in Love and Christmas Cookies.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the title may give off a “hallmark movie” feel, this cozy Christmas story is WAY better 😊 It is Pride and Prejudice Inspired, and P and P lovers will appreciate all the nods to the classic. Its not a retelling though! I was pulled back into Garland with the wonderful characters—though Kate may have driven me batty a bit jumping to conclusions. I loved all the baking! Lady Catherine reminded me a bit of my grandma 😂 This storyl had many good lessons and the main characters were Christians who prayed. The ending was sweet.

So overall, Love and Christmas Cookies is adorable edition to this series ❤️

Content: romance (just kissing)

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I’m not the type of person who just loves straight-up romance. I never have; I doubt I ever will. But somehow, A.M. Heath’s books fall into a slightly different category for me, and I tend to enjoy them. This one, though? It might just be my favorite Christmas story by Heath so far.

I’ve enjoyed Pride and Prejudice for years, so that element of the story was especially fun. I enjoyed the way Heath modernized the story without losing any of its essential elements. At one point, I was questioning the motivations for one of the characters—the explanation provided so far just didn’t quite satisfy me. Thankfully, Heath did provide a better explanation before the end of the book!

The setting was too much fun. I love baking, and getting to read about baking was wonderful—even if I never intend to do what the characters were doing here!

And the comedy. The characters talk to themselves sometimes, and those were the most hilarious comments. Of Heath’s books, I think this one might have the most humor in it. I’m not sure, but I do know that I enjoyed it.

If you enjoy romantic Christmas stories with a good dash of comedy and a faith element (this definitely had that; some of Wade’s observations were challenging to me!), I’d recommend you check this book out. It’s a light, fast, delightful read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, fun Christmas-Hallmark type read … but also packed with depth and emotion. I loved all the nods to Pride and Prejudice, but it also had a lot of great, original elements that kept the story from being predictable.

If you love a happily-ever-after with some family drama, then you’ll want to pick this one up.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rom-com takes a grumpy twist.
Kate jumps to conclusions when Wade agrees to buy the Cookie Tin bakery from Russell. It was going to be hers! Russell gives her two months to prove she can make a go of the business. Problem: while she is acting owner- Wade is the manager! And they must work together.
Lots of fun in this one but lots of meddling and manipulation by sweet step-mom Amy and present boyfriend Nathaniel. While Wade and Kate are both Christians, they have their foibles. With themes of co-operation, discerning character and forgiveness after betrayal, this was still an enjoyably fun story with lots of cookies and a Christmas atmosphere.
Great dialog among the characters. Great spiritual lessons to be learned.
Put this one on your Christmas wish list. And do look for references to Pride and Prejudice- another cute aspect.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author via bookfunnel for review. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Alicia Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your rom-coms short and sweet, Love and Christmas Cookies is the perfect dessert read. And if you enjoy finding Pride & Prejudice references, you’ll gobble up this particular this addition to this Christmas in Garland Collection. (yes, there's even a hand-flex!) If you’ve already said yes to the above AND you appreciate faith elements, trust me: this book was written just for you!

[Elizabeth Eckmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a funny and delightful story! It had the perfect amount of humor, suspense, romance, and betrayal. You won't want to miss this! I received a copy of this book and my opinions are my own.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Great characters with flaws and very real. A great Christmas story that would be great reading anytime of year. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Emily Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, and once I started reading I did not want to quit! Another great book by A. M. Heath ❤️

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this Christmas story! Romantic, funny in places, Pride & Prejudice references sprinkled throughout, like . . . cookie embellishments!

Although this is a somewhat short (295 pages) book, there is plenty of depth to the characters. Wade and Kate aren’t perfect, but I came to love them, flaws and all. The “supporting cast” certainly wasn’t perfect either (Amy, I’m looking at you!), and was a believable group of family and friends.

I loved the small-town setting and the enemies-to-friends trope. I would love to stop in at this cookie shop for a delicious and beautiful treat.

Great faith elements are the “cherry on top” to this fun story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely brilliant! The drama, angst, the obvious dislike between the main characters as they clashed, the yummy cookies, the major highs and lows plus the unexpected romance that comes out of this all was beautiful!

This was clean and God honouring in how some of the characters sought out God in the midst of their difficult situations or were reminded to seek Him - a timely reminder for this reader!

Highly recommended - please read!

Received this from the author in September (sorry) and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.

[Emily Rutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small-town Christmas romance with a Hallmark feel! The enemies to friends trope and the rivalry aspect over the bakery made for a great storyline!
Wonderful, realistic characters with flaws and just an overall sweet story of forgiveness and second chances.
I absolutely devoured this book and can’t wait for more from this author!

*I read a complementary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I have a new favorite in A.M. Heath's Christmas in Garland series. I just loved this modern enemies to lovers retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
The main characters, Kate and Wade, both have dreams of owning their own cookie bakery. Kate thought she was going to get to own the bakery where she has been working for years. Wade has had the dream of going off on his own, owning a cookie shop, as opposed to working with his aunt in her cupcake empire. Both are surprised when Kate's boss makes plans to sell to the newcomer Wade. Yet a deal is made, and Kate has two months to increase sales to show that she deserves to own the Cookie Tin.
They have to decide whether they are going to work with each other or against each other while dealing with family and others who become hinderances and obstacles.
I loved being back in Garland and was thrilled to see who and what the author included from the previous books. I'm figuring if I had ever actually read or seen Pride and Prejudice I would have loved the book even more, noticing all the Easter eggs the author included. (She does mention some of them in her author note at the end of the book.)
Knowing there was at least one person with nefarious plans made me on edge and wanting to see what was going to happen. And I really felt for Kate and Wade who were dealing with family members who were trying to run their lives. I felt invested in this story and had a hard time putting the book down. And oh my goodness, did the cookies Kate and Wade created just about make my mouth water. I really want to try some of their creations and see some of the art work.
I also apprciated the faith of the characters.
Definitely a book I recommend. And don't miss out on the rest of the series. Especially if you are a fan of cozy, small towns and Christimas festivities.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade moves to Garland to get away from his controlling aunt and start his own cookie company. Kate's been wanting to buy The Cookie Tin, and thought that the owner was going to work with her, until Wade comes to town. Wade feels that God is telling him to help Kate, so he does. He's the acting manager, and Kate is the acting owner. Kate has until the New Year to bring sales up, or Wade will be the owner. Wade offers to help Kate as much as he can, and she's willing to take him up on the offer. As they work together, they find that they enjoy working together, and it's not as much of a hardship as they thought. When finally stands up to her step-mother, and Wade finally stands up to his aunt, will the two of them be able to forge a new path together, or will one of them walk away?? I LOVE how Wade listens to God, and learns that He won't lead him the wrong way!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and unique take on Pride and Prejudice! I loved that the story took place at Christmastime in a small town and bakery. The setting was perfect and made me wish for the warm, cozy Christmas atmosphere. The changes made to the characters and story worked very well, and the conflicts between the characters were relevant and believable. I loved the interactions between Wade and Kate, especially when they created new recipes together. I also appreciated and was encouraged by the biblical truths woven into the story, such as forgiveness, the dangers of pride and miscommunication, and the importance of family. I highly recommend this book and will definitely go back to read more in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so witty, funny, and sweet. I loved the characters who had such strong personalities. This plot was fantastic! She thought The Cookie Tin (local bakery) was going to be sold to her, and here comes a guy stating that HE is the new owner. Wow! She was crushed by her friend going behind her back and selling the store out from under her. But, it doesn’t stop there! I loved the way they both talked to the Lord about everything! They also talked to each other a lot, and they talked to THEMSELVES about each other, A LOT! lol 😂 The ending is sooo satisfying-like a freshly baked cookie! 🍪 I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed every page of this novel. If you love this type of back and forth banter with the heroine and hero of the story, and totally hilarious situations, then this is the book for you, too!! ♥️🥰🍪

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story even though I’ve never read Pride & Prejudice. I was a little frustrated with Kate because she didn’t speak up for herself, but at the same time I sort of understood her hesitation to. Christmas Eve though! I might have cheered inwardly. I liked Sarah Grace, Todd, and Wade. Poor Wade, he had my sympathies to a certain extent but there were times I wasn’t happy with him.
There was a bit more kissing than I liked. (Kate has no problem kissing guys even though she was deceived by one before this story started.) I would have thought she’d be a little more cautious.
I do like that this was clean, the characters prayed (though I don’t recall Kate praying about a certain someone), and there were Christmas cookies!

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young 20-something working in a bakery with a promise of consideration of ownership when the current owner is ready to retire.
Enter another monied baker who also has hopes of owning his own bakery. A competition ensues... who will win? Parents also have their own ideas for a profitable career the Kate, with total disregard for her preferences. How do you get your parents to back off--- in your work and romance departments?
This is an enjoyable read and will make you want to bake cookies, or go and buy some! Love that it takes place in the Christmas season, too.
I was provided with a copy of the story, and this is my honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes a great gift and is very well written and they try to avoid their attraction for each other because each of them competes against each other but as we all know whether in books or real-life love doesn't play fair, and I really look forward to reading in print format
highly recommend and will read again

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Christmas in Garland series.