Raspberry Kisses

Bakery Romance #1

by Cecelia Dowdy

♥The Bakery Romance Series ♥

Facing eviction, Rhea Morrison, a grieving widow, must save her failing bakery. An unexpected turn of events lands her at a singles retreat where she meets Martin Lane. Pastor Martin laments over his secret, traumatic past mistakes. He’s destined to lead his father’s church, despite blatant rejection. He can’t love Rhea - he’s yet to forgive himself for his past. If Rhea knew how he used to be, she would have no interest in pursuing a relationship with him.

Rhea feels torn about her attraction to Martin – he’s a pastor, and after her husband’s death, she vowed to never get involved with another pastor. Rhea's identical twin sister, Raven, also has feelings for Martin. Her tenuous relationship with her twin makes her leery. Can she find the courage to love Martin without hurting her sister? Both Martin and Rhea struggle with their faith in God. Can Martin and Rhea overcome their past so that they’re free to love again?

Raspberry Kisses is a deep, emotional romance that you will enjoy from beginning to end. Grab your copy today! Books in The Bakery Romance Series
Loving Luke – 0
Raspberry Kisses – 1
Shades of Chocolate – 2
Sweet Dreams – 3
Sugar and Spice – 4
Southern Comfort – 5
Sweet Delights – 6
Cinnamon Kisses – 7

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Romance, Fiction, Christian, Chick Lit

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2014

About the author

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

Raspberry Kisses
A sweet, charming romance is available to order:
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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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To find out more about me, visit my website and my blogs:

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Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

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? Who will this pastor what in his life? What problems will be presented to him as he has
one goal for his life? There will be some secondary characters that will add to this well developed, defined and well believable read that will help in keeping your attention all the way through the read.

Be ready for a read that presents 'love, faith and forgiveness' all the way through the story. Will Rhea, Raven and Martin in the end get what they wants in their life? Would I recommend this novel? Yes!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 the book to find out what happens with Rhea and Martin, Raven and Rhea (you know there is going to be trouble), and Rhea’s bakery. Raspberry Kisses is a sweet romance. Happy Reading!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Donni Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sharon Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 writing got in the way of the story a lot. I felt that it was hard to see the story for the words. They were just clunky and too much for what could have been a decent story.

I wanted to dump Rhea. She was so indecisive and rude in so much of the story. I would have quit her if I were Martin. We never really saw how their relationship developed, they were barely friends and then madly in love. It was so confusing.

The plot was good, but I think the overall execution was sorely lacking. I was disappointed.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 attractions towards each other.

As with other Christian novels, it nice to read a book without all the sex and foul language. The story is well written and has a good plot. I felt the characters were well written but towards the end it ended too soon. I felt that it just dropped off, something was missing. I do look forward to reading other novels by the other and maybe we will see what happens to Rhea and Martin.

I did receive this book for an honest review.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Mandi Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Brianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[DKM · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

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....

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading this book because too many of the secondary characters' traits were selfishness. Why did the author have to make everyone the main characters interact with so selfish and so self absorbed?

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

review this week

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the book! It kept me interested.

[Renay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute quick read! Great characters and well written.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow moving, but lovely story line.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 under-developed. I'd love to read more about Mary and Raven. And Candy and Taylor. Too much time is spent on Martin and Rhea THINKING about their feelings. More action/interaction with the amazing characters would make Raspberry Kisses practically perfect.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole story.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 4 out of 5]

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" ?

[Patricia M. Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, clean Christian romance and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters are each struggling in their own way. Rhea and Martin are great together, and I loved how they each faced their challenges with courage and faith. I want to continue reading this series to see how things work out for some of the other characters.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Michelle Smart · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.