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Touchstone Series #5
A Cupcake Christmas
What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special?
Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves.
Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming.
But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.
Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves.
Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming.
But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.
186 pages, Paperback
Published December 25, 2015
1 person is currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Beth Barany
29 books547 followersAward winning author, Beth Barany writes in several genres including young adult adventure fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction mysteries.
Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.
For fun, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany.
They live in Oakland, California with a piano, cats, and over 1,000 books.
Beth is also the author of bestselling nonfiction books for authors and aspiring authors and helps novelists through her courses and programs at Barany School of Fiction.
Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.
For fun, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany.
They live in Oakland, California with a piano, cats, and over 1,000 books.
Beth is also the author of bestselling nonfiction books for authors and aspiring authors and helps novelists through her courses and programs at Barany School of Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 28, 2015
What could be better than Santa and his elves at Christmas! Well, a very sexy elf who wants to become a Master Baker mixed with a tenacious businesswoman and her brand new cupcake business is certainly up there! Florian and Kate’s story is another great addition to the Touchstone series. I’ve enjoyed every story, and A Cupcake Christmas is as delightful as the rest. Kate and Florian are wonderful and I was rooting for them the whole way. What a marvelous way to spend Christmas, reading with a cup of tea and a nice fire. Now I’m going to have to add cupcakes to that as well. In addition to the romance, I loved reading about Kate’s tenacity in building her business, especially all the different cupcakes, which were magical themselves. I’ve never thought of savory cupcakes before but this story was an inspiration! I look forward to the next in the series.
January 31, 2020
This was the first book I have read from this author. This is also the first romance book I have ever read. Coming in at 180 pages this was a quick and very enjoyable read.
I will say this was by far the cutest story I have ever read!!!! The romance in this was so beautiful. I could easily see this being made into a Hallmark movie that alot of people would adore.
I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone. You can read this anytime of the year and gobble this up!!!!
I can't wait to read more romance books after this. This was the perfect book to introduce me to this new genre of books!!!!!♥️
My rating: 📕📕📕📕📕 (5 stars)
I will say this was by far the cutest story I have ever read!!!! The romance in this was so beautiful. I could easily see this being made into a Hallmark movie that alot of people would adore.
I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone. You can read this anytime of the year and gobble this up!!!!
I can't wait to read more romance books after this. This was the perfect book to introduce me to this new genre of books!!!!!♥️
My rating: 📕📕📕📕📕 (5 stars)
December 31, 2015
Originally reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
A Christmas Cupcake is a charming, whimsical, magical tale – one that you’ll be reading again next Christmas… just because you’ll want to revisit Kate and Florian.
Kate is fanatical about her cupcake cart business. She’s good, really good and with the right plan and help she can make an even bigger success of her business. Right now the popularity of her delicious, vastly varied types of cupcakes is such a success that she really needs more help in the off-site kitchen and here in the cart as well. When a charming, enthusiastic, red haired, handsome man presented himself as the answer to her dreams – she discovered that he might be all that… and more.
Florian was almost completed with his year away training. He had one last empty spot on his resume he needed to complete and then he could happily head back to the North Pole. Back to the Master Baker position that he knew was his, especially if this delightful lady would let him work with her and learn the magic of her cupcakes.
All he had to do was keep his magic under control. That should be easy enough. Oh sure, it had gotten away from him before, and maybe he’d moved on to the next job before any of the humans could begin to ask too many questions. But he could do this, just a couple more weeks and all of his dreams would come true.
What neither Kate or Florian had considered in this business they were working side by side in was a magical little thing called emotions. Like the big ones. Neither thought that maybe they’d fall in love – or have to pick which dream mattered most – business and a successful position or a love that comes along once in a lifetime. For Kate it means trusting her heart – for Florian it means so much more, for if he gives up one dream he will lose the magic that makes him… him. And there would be no going back once that decision was made.
A Cupcake Christmas is a magical, sexy and highly emotional romance between a human and a Christmas elf. The more emotionally involved Florian gets with Kate the more out of control his magic becomes. He’s going to risk a lot but the prize would be so worth it all. If you love magical love stories then this is one that needs to be on your reading list… and pulled back out every Christmas for a re-read. Because what is love if not magic?
A Christmas Cupcake is a charming, whimsical, magical tale – one that you’ll be reading again next Christmas… just because you’ll want to revisit Kate and Florian.
Kate is fanatical about her cupcake cart business. She’s good, really good and with the right plan and help she can make an even bigger success of her business. Right now the popularity of her delicious, vastly varied types of cupcakes is such a success that she really needs more help in the off-site kitchen and here in the cart as well. When a charming, enthusiastic, red haired, handsome man presented himself as the answer to her dreams – she discovered that he might be all that… and more.
Florian was almost completed with his year away training. He had one last empty spot on his resume he needed to complete and then he could happily head back to the North Pole. Back to the Master Baker position that he knew was his, especially if this delightful lady would let him work with her and learn the magic of her cupcakes.
All he had to do was keep his magic under control. That should be easy enough. Oh sure, it had gotten away from him before, and maybe he’d moved on to the next job before any of the humans could begin to ask too many questions. But he could do this, just a couple more weeks and all of his dreams would come true.
What neither Kate or Florian had considered in this business they were working side by side in was a magical little thing called emotions. Like the big ones. Neither thought that maybe they’d fall in love – or have to pick which dream mattered most – business and a successful position or a love that comes along once in a lifetime. For Kate it means trusting her heart – for Florian it means so much more, for if he gives up one dream he will lose the magic that makes him… him. And there would be no going back once that decision was made.
A Cupcake Christmas is a magical, sexy and highly emotional romance between a human and a Christmas elf. The more emotionally involved Florian gets with Kate the more out of control his magic becomes. He’s going to risk a lot but the prize would be so worth it all. If you love magical love stories then this is one that needs to be on your reading list… and pulled back out every Christmas for a re-read. Because what is love if not magic?
January 23, 2016
Magical and Upbeat Romance
This is a magical and upbeat romance between Kate, a young cupcake entrepreneur, and Florian, a Master Baker in the making, who unbeknownst to the humans around him, just happens to be an elf who is one of Santa’s nephews!
It’s an enchanting read that will help banish the winter blues. Kate is a hardworking young businesswoman who is striving to get her cupcake business off the ground and as such has little time for romance. However, when she takes on Florian to assist her over the busy Christmas period, attraction blooms between them and she fights a losing battle to keep their relationship strictly business. They are such a good fit together, in and outside work!
Florian is not only a hard worker, but he is a talented baker and helps Kate to feel more relaxed about life and more optimistic about where she can take her business. Yet despite their attraction, Florian has only agreed to work for Kate on a temporary basis as he is looking forward to returning to his own world to assume the role of Master Baker that was destined to be his.
The author does a great job of illustrating the conflicts within both Kate and Florian when it comes to their romance, and I was eager to find out if this particular elf was just for Christmas! Indeed, the read contains plenty of tension and emotional turmoil plus increasing mayhem and magic as the plot unravels!
This is the first book I have read by Beth Barany and it was a delightful read! I recommend it to readers who are looking for a feel-good romance with a magical twist.
Please note a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
This is a magical and upbeat romance between Kate, a young cupcake entrepreneur, and Florian, a Master Baker in the making, who unbeknownst to the humans around him, just happens to be an elf who is one of Santa’s nephews!
It’s an enchanting read that will help banish the winter blues. Kate is a hardworking young businesswoman who is striving to get her cupcake business off the ground and as such has little time for romance. However, when she takes on Florian to assist her over the busy Christmas period, attraction blooms between them and she fights a losing battle to keep their relationship strictly business. They are such a good fit together, in and outside work!
Florian is not only a hard worker, but he is a talented baker and helps Kate to feel more relaxed about life and more optimistic about where she can take her business. Yet despite their attraction, Florian has only agreed to work for Kate on a temporary basis as he is looking forward to returning to his own world to assume the role of Master Baker that was destined to be his.
The author does a great job of illustrating the conflicts within both Kate and Florian when it comes to their romance, and I was eager to find out if this particular elf was just for Christmas! Indeed, the read contains plenty of tension and emotional turmoil plus increasing mayhem and magic as the plot unravels!
This is the first book I have read by Beth Barany and it was a delightful read! I recommend it to readers who are looking for a feel-good romance with a magical twist.
Please note a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
January 28, 2016
If you are looking for a quick romantic read with a touch of magic- you might want to check this one out. Be warned though: don't read while hungry. You will be craving all kinds of cupcakes.
I haven't read any other books by this author and this is the fifth book in this Touchstone series. I got a glimpse of some other characters that might have been in previous books, but I don't think that made any difference in reading this book. It can stand alone.
The whole premise for this book is fun. Elf falls in love with cupcake girl. He must choose between her and his magic. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the chemistry between Florian and Kate. I read about it, but I just didn't feel it. The connection between me and the characters was missing. My tummy never got the flutters, my heart never pounded. I was never dying to know what came next. Everything was cute, it just fell a little flat for me. I read this right on the heels of a fun, romantic book that did give me flutters and heart palpitations and I just couldn't put it down so I cannot help but compare the two.
Florian and Kate jump into bed together pretty quickly after knowing each other only a few days. Their sexual relationship is not described in any detail but you know it happens. Other than this, the book is clean.
I loved the setting. I grew up with Oakland and San Francisco in my backyard so reading about it was a bit like going home. I love San Francisco. I also loved the cupcake aspect. Those cupcakes sounded so yummy!
I haven't read any other books by this author and this is the fifth book in this Touchstone series. I got a glimpse of some other characters that might have been in previous books, but I don't think that made any difference in reading this book. It can stand alone.
The whole premise for this book is fun. Elf falls in love with cupcake girl. He must choose between her and his magic. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the chemistry between Florian and Kate. I read about it, but I just didn't feel it. The connection between me and the characters was missing. My tummy never got the flutters, my heart never pounded. I was never dying to know what came next. Everything was cute, it just fell a little flat for me. I read this right on the heels of a fun, romantic book that did give me flutters and heart palpitations and I just couldn't put it down so I cannot help but compare the two.
Florian and Kate jump into bed together pretty quickly after knowing each other only a few days. Their sexual relationship is not described in any detail but you know it happens. Other than this, the book is clean.
I loved the setting. I grew up with Oakland and San Francisco in my backyard so reading about it was a bit like going home. I love San Francisco. I also loved the cupcake aspect. Those cupcakes sounded so yummy!
January 14, 2016
4.5 stars! This is a story of a smart, hardworking entrepreneur named Kate, Kate's Cupcake Cart, and an elf named Florian working in the human world to become Master Baker in the North Pole.
I loved that Kate was a strong heroine, who came up with a terrific idea that became successful and needed to realize that she can't do it all alone. She has no time for fun, friends, and romance. Florian is near the end of his year, so close to his ultimate goal. I loved that they worked together so well and shared similar dreams. Also, the cupcakes were different and sounded yummy.
His magic was both romantic and chaotic, which made it funny and heartwarming. There were funny and awkward scenes where his magic ran amok, and an unexpected twist that had me smiling.
I enjoyed this romance. The only complaint I have is that it moved a bit fast. He had a deadline that was a few weeks, instead a decision was rushed much sooner. I would have preferred to have had it play out with the extra time with a bit more suspense due to the looming time limit.
The romance did not feature a sex scene, though there was mention of sex in passing. It has an HEA ending.
I was left wanting to know more about Aunt Holly's and his sister's arrangements, and I saw that her brother will likely get his own story. I'd like to read more, if this develops into a series.
Note: I won an ARC. This is my honest review.
I loved that Kate was a strong heroine, who came up with a terrific idea that became successful and needed to realize that she can't do it all alone. She has no time for fun, friends, and romance. Florian is near the end of his year, so close to his ultimate goal. I loved that they worked together so well and shared similar dreams. Also, the cupcakes were different and sounded yummy.
His magic was both romantic and chaotic, which made it funny and heartwarming. There were funny and awkward scenes where his magic ran amok, and an unexpected twist that had me smiling.
I enjoyed this romance. The only complaint I have is that it moved a bit fast. He had a deadline that was a few weeks, instead a decision was rushed much sooner. I would have preferred to have had it play out with the extra time with a bit more suspense due to the looming time limit.
The romance did not feature a sex scene, though there was mention of sex in passing. It has an HEA ending.
I was left wanting to know more about Aunt Holly's and his sister's arrangements, and I saw that her brother will likely get his own story. I'd like to read more, if this develops into a series.
Note: I won an ARC. This is my honest review.
December 21, 2015
What happens when you mix together a driven, hard-working businesswoman, her cupcake business, and an elf on his way to becoming Master Baker at the North Pole? In Beth Barany's capable hands, you savor a delectable, charming, and captivating read. The story is romance, complete with sparkles of magic and joy, a well-wrought and captivating read.
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December 25, 2015I really enjoy this book. The book is a magical and bright. This is a great story to read on your Christmas Holiday and perfect to read by the fire. After reading the book I wanted to eat cupcakes and savory cupcakes as well. What a perfect romance book. If you are someone that loves elves and love at first site this is a great edition to your Christmas reading collection.
December 31, 2015
A cute magical Christmas read. Lighthearted and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it. When you need some Christmas and magic in your life, I recommend reading it. I want to read the others in the series,
May 7, 2021
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
If I had a sweet tooth, this story would’ve been torture on it. There were so many delicious desserts mentioned. Here are a few that even had me tempted to search out a sugary treat: donut cupcake, chocolate croissant cupcake, apple nut cupcakes, and a chocolate shake.
Kate served these sweet treats and a variety of savory options with her temporary assistant, Florian. Florian was a delightful character. He exuded joy! He even made me smile when his magic went off the rails, and Santa came a callin’. Yup, THE SANTA. Those scenes were just so precious and had me smiling from ear to ear.
Sweet holiday read!
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
February 27, 2016
I got this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway. It was a cute story, and I enjoy all things Christmas. I didn't feel a connection with or between the main characters, but the idea of an elf among us was different and appealing. The cupcakes made my mouth water and I had real hope that recipes were included. Unfortunately, I'll have to work up my own recipes. Overall, a sweet and quick read.
March 7, 2020
I received this book as part of an ARC review. It's a sweet story. Florian is travelling for a year to gain experience to get the job as Master Baker at home. He has less than a month left when he answers Kate's ad for a baker and helper. They are attracted to each other. The book is strange mix of slow and fast as it happens over a week's time but moves at a slow pace that makes it seem longer. Florian thinks he has to make a choice to give up something he wants. The sweet part is when his uncle, Santa, calls and gives him the opportunity to have everything he wanted before and still gets to stay with Kate who he loves. Kate has fallen for Florian and with the message from Santa realizes that she had lost sight of her original dream a little. Together they will bring love and magic each day to the world around them.
March 8, 2020
Baking Up Love
This is a new author to me. I decided to give this story because of the blurb. I enjoy a "Christmas" themed story. This one didn't disappoint. Kate and Florian were magic together. I now need to read the first four stories in this series.
* I received a copy of this book via Hidden Gems which I am voluntarily reviewing*
This is a new author to me. I decided to give this story because of the blurb. I enjoy a "Christmas" themed story. This one didn't disappoint. Kate and Florian were magic together. I now need to read the first four stories in this series.
* I received a copy of this book via Hidden Gems which I am voluntarily reviewing*
October 26, 2025
A Christmas elf, romance and cupcakes. Florian is a Christmas elf on Earth learning cooking so he can be a Master chef at the North Pole. He meets Kate Delore who owns a cupcake business. Uncontrolled magic, sweet cupcakes, and romance run through the story. Fun story to read.
January 7, 2019
A totally delightful story to make your day much more delightful.
July 4, 2018
A Cupcake Christmas - Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume-before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves. Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business.
A creatively written & developed novella with no plot holes. A nonpareil writing style that is delightful. With enchanting characters that are realistic with real emotions and flaws.The premise is unrivaled & settings are well described. This novella is a sweet & sexy spicy read perfect fireside read with tea during the holidays. This highly entertaining & decadently delicious read offer twists & turns to keep you captivated. I highly recommend reading this novella. I Voluntarily reviewed and advanced reading copy of this novella.
A creatively written & developed novella with no plot holes. A nonpareil writing style that is delightful. With enchanting characters that are realistic with real emotions and flaws.The premise is unrivaled & settings are well described. This novella is a sweet & sexy spicy read perfect fireside read with tea during the holidays. This highly entertaining & decadently delicious read offer twists & turns to keep you captivated. I highly recommend reading this novella. I Voluntarily reviewed and advanced reading copy of this novella.
March 1, 2016
Every relationship has both baggage and secrets. No matter what happens, a relationship will change the people in it.
What happens when one of the people involved has magic that gets more uncontrollable with strong emotions? "...fluttering and trowing wayward magic."
And he can't tell the woman he loves about his magic or the truth about his past?
I connected to the main characters and empathized with their reality vs emotions.
"...her heart urged her not to think. To just feel..."
Both felt committed to an endgame but don't want to miss out on what could be the best life has to offer. A touching story about living in the moment.
"Maybe it was okay that for one night she didn't have her whole life figured out."
The writing flows and the descriptive phrasing made me smile.
"More delicate than a souffle cupcake."
I loved the term for Florian's "year away." What a clever concept!
Endearing and delicious!
What happens when one of the people involved has magic that gets more uncontrollable with strong emotions? "...fluttering and trowing wayward magic."
And he can't tell the woman he loves about his magic or the truth about his past?
I connected to the main characters and empathized with their reality vs emotions.
"...her heart urged her not to think. To just feel..."
Both felt committed to an endgame but don't want to miss out on what could be the best life has to offer. A touching story about living in the moment.
"Maybe it was okay that for one night she didn't have her whole life figured out."
The writing flows and the descriptive phrasing made me smile.
"More delicate than a souffle cupcake."
I loved the term for Florian's "year away." What a clever concept!
Endearing and delicious!
June 7, 2016
Thank you Goodreads for sending me this book. This is the fifth bookin the touchstone series, but it can be read as a one-off or stand-alone. The premise of the book is fun and magic, but the heroine of the story, Kate, is strong willed and hard working and you will her to do well. Although it is a Christmas book, I’ve read it sat in the garden in June and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you love Christmas and of course cupcakes and romance, then this is the book for you. It is a quick read and can be read in a day or two.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews