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Raspberry Kisses

(Bakery Romance #1)

Cecelia Dowdy (Goodreads Author)

3.78 · Rating details · 489 ratings · 98 reviews

Facing eviction, Rhea Morrison, a young grieving widow, must save her failing bakery. Her
recently-injured twin sister, Raven, loans her money – stipulating Rhea attend a singles retreat to spy on Martin Lane, Raven’s new love interest. Disgruntled, Rhea attends the retreat and is attracted to Martin. She discovers that Martin can help save her bakery.

Pastor Martin laments ...more

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Kindle Edition, 264 pages

Published December 4th 2014 by Amazon Digital Services

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Average rating 3.78 ·

Rating details

· 489 ratings · 98 reviews

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Start your review of Raspberry Kisses (Bakery Romance, #1)

Dec 13, 2014 Heidi rated it really liked it

What a sweet story (pun intended!) that I found myself wanting to get back to it each time I had to put it down. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I was along for the ride with Rhea and Martin. I love how all the characters came around full circle and that love, faith, and forgiveness were such a strong theme throughout the book. The only character that I felt didn't come full circle was Mrs. Tucker. Who knows, maybe that may be elaborated on in another one.

I was given a copy of this b ...more

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Mar 04, 2015 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

Great book

Rhea and Martin were absolutely wonderful to read about. This was a very well written book and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book.

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Jan 03, 2016 Arlena Dean rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-review, romance, 5-stars, a-good-book, christian-fiction, book-1

Title: Raspberry Kisses
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Series: Bakery Romance #1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Raspberry Kisses" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Thoughts....

I thought 'Raspberry Kisses' was a beautifully told Christian Love Story. This author did a good
job in telling the story that was about Rhea ,,,her twin sister, Raven...and Martin. Now, how these
three people tie into this well written story you will have to pick up this read to see who get with whom? Wh ...more

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Dec 15, 2014 Kristina rated it liked it

Shelves: christian-fiction, romance

Raspberry Kisses (The Bakery Romance Series – Book One) by Cecelia Dowdy is a Christian love story. Rhea owns a bakery and is a widow. Her bakery has not been doing well since a supermarket (with a bakery) moved in nearby. When Rhea’s twin sister, Raven, offers her a loan on the condition that she goes to a Christian retreat and keep an eye her “boyfriend” Martin. Rhea goes to the retreat and meets Martin Lane. Martin and Rhea have an instant connection and a lot in common. You will have to read ...more

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Mar 08, 2016 Donni Pedersen rated it it was amazing

A true man

The hero in this book is the kind of man any woman would dream of. He is sensitive and compassionate yet masculine and handsome. He doesn't play games with a woman's heart. ...more

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Dec 25, 2014 Sharon Simmons rated it it was amazing

Good book!

Another new author for me! I enjoyed this book, I laughed and cried while reading it. So glad Martin didn't give up on Rhea. I can't wait for Book 2 to come out! ...more

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Dec 31, 2014 Julie Carpenter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: religious, personal-library, 2015, kindle-book, review-books

I received a copy of Cecelia Dowdy's book Raspberry Kisses for free and am excited to share my thoughts about it!

First off this was a great, clean Christian romance! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and watching the characters working through their struggles and most of them relying on God to strengthen and guide them. There were lots of references to God and many times the characters would say silent prayers during their thoughts. I know many people don't always care for reading that but I received a copy of Cecelia Dowdy's book Raspberry Kisses for free and am excited to share my thoughts about it!

First off this was a great, clean Christian romance! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and watching the characters working through their struggles and most of them relying on God to strengthen and guide them. There were lots of references to God and many times the characters would say silent prayers during their thoughts. I know many people don't always care for reading that but I felt it was added in nicely and fit very well with the plot since one of the main characters, Martin, was working towards becoming a Pastor. Don't let that it is a Christian novel throw you off from reading it, I think you will feel drawn to the characters and can relate to one or more of them.

Now onto more of the story. There are several characters to watch in this novel who are all struggling and it was neat watching them interact, getting upset and angry with each other or having happy feelings towards each other. What I appreciated most while reading was their desire to forgive and fix their problems or try to lift and help each other where possible. Life really just stinks when we have anger or are holding grudges. Nothing good or productive comes from that. What a sweet relief and joy it is to release that. (Sorry got on my soapbox for a minute.) :-)

The main character Rhea has a twin sister, Raven, who is throughout most of the story back and forth with her emotions towards Rhea. One minute she is belittling her the next screaming and crying at her and then happy and proud of her. The author reveals through the course of the novel why she is that way and *spoiler* the sisters work it out in the end. Raven is aggravating and causes lots of problems for the main characters, Rhea and Martin, but without her initial need for Rhea to step in Rhea would not have met Martin.

Rhea is a great character. You grieve with her, want to shake her to wake her up to realize Martin is great, and you cheer for her. She's loving and caring and trying to struggle to survive in her moment of life. Her husband was a Pastor whom she loved with all her heart but who was unfortunately shot and killed. It has been 2 years since his death and she hasn't gone through the grieving process or allowed herself to heal and keeping moving forward in life. Once she allows that to happen she is truly able to help others heal and be happy in her life.

Michael is also wonderful! He's the perfect character (who yes does have a past and a secret) but has come to God and allowed God to direct his life. Michael wants to take over preaching at the Church his Father preached at. Unfortunately a new Church member stands in his way...no spoilers, you have to read to find out why and what happens!

Really the journey all the characters travel is wonderful. We all struggle with something in our life, whether from the past or from something more recent but we can offer and receive forgiveness from God and those around us. We can strengthen and lift and help each other to make all of our lives more joyful.

I'll stop there but hope you take a chance on this wonderful book and decide for yourself how you can lift those around you!

Thank you Cecelia for allowing me to read your novel and I am excited to see what else you have in store for us!

Happy Reading!!! ...more

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Dec 16, 2014 Sally rated it it was amazing

I loved this book by Cecelia Dowdy! It's a sweet Christian romance with lots of decadent bakery creations throughout the story. Rhea and Raven Simms are twin sisters. Rhea's husband died two years ago. He was a pastor and she has vowed to never fall in love with another minister.

Martin Lane is a minister asked to speak at a retreat. What is it about Rhea that draws him to her? She looks just like Raven, a lady that has been chasing him relentlessly to go out with him. Which sister will he choos I loved this book by Cecelia Dowdy! It's a sweet Christian romance with lots of decadent bakery creations throughout the story. Rhea and Raven Simms are twin sisters. Rhea's husband died two years ago. He was a pastor and she has vowed to never fall in love with another minister.

Martin Lane is a minister asked to speak at a retreat. What is it about Rhea that draws him to her? She looks just like Raven, a lady that has been chasing him relentlessly to go out with him. Which sister will he choose?

Rhea's bakery can't compete with the new store that sells bakery items. She is losing money and can't pay her bills. Raven has been in an accident and needs Rhea's help. She wants Rhea to go to a Christian retreat in her place to spy on the pastor, not to switch places but to spend time with him to see if he is dating someone else. In exchange, Raven will give Rhea the money she needs for her rent and past bills.

But what happens when Raven starts to have feelings for Martin? Can she tell Raven the truth or will the truth keep her from giving her the promised money? Martin has offered to help Rhea with her bakery so it will turn a profit. Rhea's faith had dimmed after Stan's death. Can she rekindle her faith in God and love?

Martin wants the lead pastorship position at his church, but a new congregant has accusations about his past and his ability to lead. Will she be able to keep him from doing what he feels God has called him to do? He feels that if he is voted in it would be God's seal of approval.

Haunted by his past, trying to overcome it, can Martin learn that he's forgiven and rest in God's forgiveness and love? Can Rhea and Martin see their love for one another, or will Raven keep them apart? Can they overcome their obstacles and find the love God has for them?

Scriptures are interwoven throughout Raspberry Kisses for an encouraging faith-filled romance. I look forward to more books by Cecelia Dowdy.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
...more

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Feb 29, 2016 Amanda Clark rated it it was ok

I did not enjoy this one at all. I came really close to quitting several times. Rhea is very whiny and quick to temper, but is always made to look like it's warranted, even when it's not. All of the women around her are made to look temperamental and ill, when she herself is too. The women in the book are either overweight or starve themselves. Pretty sure there wasn't an in-between.

The writing style is very formal and choppy, over explanatory in parts, and trying way too hard in others. The wr ...more

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Feb 28, 2015 Barbara rated it really liked it

This is the first book I’ve read by author Cecelia Dowdy and since was a Christian novel I was really looking forward to it. I enjoyed the book but was a little disappointed by the ending. It was a nice story of a young women, Rhea, who lost her husband who was a pastor at a young age. She owned a bakery and was having financial trouble. She borrows money from her twin sister who has many issues. As the story goes along she meets another young pastor, Martin,¬ and they have mutual feels and attr ...more

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Mar 08, 2015 Bonnie rated it really liked it

Shelves: the-tbr-pile-2015, e-reader-challenge-2015, 2015, first-reads, my-nook-kindle-books

This is a sweet, but complicated love story! Its about two Christians with one problem stacked on top of another, and things don't look very promising for them or their circumstances. Enjoyed reading how things developed and worked out, including with the other characters in the book. I recommend checking out one of Cecelia's other books First Mates! It was a really good fictional love story worth reading for sure! ...more

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Jun 18, 2020 Mandi Morgan rated it it was ok

Rough to read

She’s so hateful to him and he keeps at her. I just couldn’t like this story. I felt horrible for Martin the whole time.

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Dec 13, 2014 Linda Rainey rated it it was amazing

Raspberry Kisses by Cecilia Dowdy is a sweet Christian Romance between Rhea and Martin.

I loved the characters and how they overcame obstacles, by prayer and trusting in the Lord.

My mouth waters from the descriptions of all the sweets.

A nice novel, Cecilia and I look forward to more books.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review

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Dec 15, 2014 D rated it liked it

Raspberry Kisses

I really wanted to be in love with this story, but I was not. It was good, but not great. I did not feel the connection between Rhea and Martin, they felt more like friends than a couple who was starting a relationship. I was 70% into the book before they admitted their feelings for one another and shared their first kiss.

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Jan 24, 2016 Brianna rated it it was ok

To be honest, I was never able to finish this. I thought it would be a light, enjoyable book to read but found that was more depth and nuances to the characters. I wasn't a fan of the characters and their personalities, in large part, Rhea and her whininess. I think the plot could be interesting to read but I wasn't able to discover that for myself as I was too turned off by the characters. ...more

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Mar 27, 2016 DKM rated it did not like it

This novel is filled with egregious grammatical errors ("most vainest," "with Raven and I," etc.). Hello? One cannot say "with I." Prepositions take the objective case pronoun even when the pronouns are compound objects. The pacing is also unrealistic. Characters' motivations are often weak or forced. It's a quick, easy read, but it is not worth purchasing. It was free on BookBub. ...more

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Dec 06, 2014 Chris rated it it was amazing

Raspberry Kisses is a neat book. Huge Hurdles, some we do to ourselves, Wonderful to see God in all of it, weaving through the difficult circumstances, You will absolutely enjoy reading this book....

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Jan 22, 2019 Heather rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 13, 2015 Ashley rated it it was amazing

I really enjoy the book! It kept me interested.

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Mar 29, 2016 Renay rated it really liked it

Cute quick read! Great characters and well written.

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Mar 30, 2016 Ashlee rated it really liked it

A little slow moving, but lovely story line.

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Jun 28, 2019 PollyAnna Joy rated it liked it

Cute!

As cute as Raspberry Kisses is, it was difficult to get through because of the grammar errors. There was one main type of error that was consistent throughout the whole book that made it very difficult to focus: IC,ccic. When the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) separates two complete independent clauses, the comma is BEFORE the coordinating conjunction. Not after. And don't throw in random commas because you want to pause.

I LOVE the story. But the characters are u ...more

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Jan 27, 2017 Debbie rated it it was amazing

When Rhea went to the singles retreat for Raven her life will change. Rhea is struggling to keep her bakery open. When Raven offers her help she is shocked at the conditions. Martin is a amazing man,. The way he takes care of others is truly remarkable. When he helps Rhea get her bakery running smoothly she is surprised at the changes. Rhea is still struggling with the loss of Stan and is afraid to get into a relationship with another preacher. The author will have you on the edge of your seat w ...more

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May 11, 2018 Penny Leidecker rated it it was amazing

Faith and prayer is the answer

This is the first book I’ve read by Cecelia Dowdy, but it won’t be the last. Raspberry Kisses tells the story of Martin and Rhea and their journey to their happily ever after. They have many ups and downs and their pasts play a huge part in that. No spoilers, but if you’re looking for a clean romance read that is full of memorable characters, then grab your copy. You won’t be disappointed with this touching book.

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Sep 12, 2019 Mary rated it really liked it

Very good storyline

So many topics, some seemed unfinished even in the epilogue. I wanted more on the sister's love, eating disorders, mental wellness and of course money management. Overall a great plot that I felt hungry for more. Can I look for more in "Shades of Chocolate" ? ...more

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May 07, 2020 Patricia M. Marston rated it it was amazing

Is it to soon to love someone?

Being a twin can bring a multitudes of emotions. She's not only has to figure out how to solve financial, spiritual and emotional issues, but intertwined is the involvement of her twin Raven. A rewarding and fun read that everyone quill enjoy reading. I am looking forward to reading book 2. ...more

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Jul 09, 2019 Stefanie rated it really liked it

Sweet romance

I really enjoyed Raspberry Kisses, Rhea and Martin's road to finding each other. I wish Rhea wouldn't have been so wishy washy though. She need to be stronger. The relationship between sisters was so well written. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series! ...more

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Aug 13, 2020 Michelle Smart rated it liked it

Fun Christian romance. At times I felt like the characters were flat, despite the fact that the author added backstory pieces designed to give them depth. I found myself wanting more elaboration on a few of the side relationships.

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Jan 19, 2017 Jess (Shepherdjel) rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle

I really didn't care much for this. I liked the Rhea and Martin love story at times but most the time it was frustrating. ...more

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May 07, 2017 Elizabeth rated it really liked it

Great book just took me forever to read

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About Cecelia Dowdy

Cecelia Dowdy

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Loving Luke (A Christmas Novella)(Cookies and Kisses):http://amzn.to/1LjHc3o

Raspberry Kisses - only 99 cents!!
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I'm a Christian fiction author and I'm also a book reviewer. If interested in my novels, you can find them here:

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