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Baxter Family Bakery #2
Cookies & Candlelight
What will it take for a former starlet to find love with an average Joe?
After the accident that killed her husband five years ago, Serena Johnson left Hollywood—and her stage name—behind to set up shop as a potter. Her online business keeps her occupied and fulfilled, but she misses having someone special to share her life.
Micah Baxter has enjoyed the year he’s worked in his family’s bakery in Arcadia Valley, even if his siblings are all finding love, leaving him the odd man out. When Micah delivers the cookies Serena ordered for an event at her pottery studio, the attraction between them is hard to deny. But so are their differences.
Having been a fan when he was younger, Micah knows all about Serena’s bad-girl history. So how can he trust the feelings that grow between them? And if Hollywood comes calling, will Serena be content to stay?
Welcome to Arcadia Valley, Idaho, where a foodie culture and romance grow hand-in-hand. Join my friends and me as we release a book every month set in Arcadia Valley. You’ll enjoy meeting old friends and making new ones as each of the six authors’ books intertwine with the previous stories in this Christian romance series. Get started with Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley and follow along at Arcadia Valley Romance dot com to make sure you don’t miss any installments!
Cookies & Candlelight is the second full-length novel in the Baxter Family Bakery series set in Arcadia Valley. It follows the novel, Muffins & Moonbeams. The series begins with a novella, Loaves & Wishes, that was introduced in Arcadia Valley Book 1, Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley. Get your copy today to spend more time baking with the Baxter family.
After the accident that killed her husband five years ago, Serena Johnson left Hollywood—and her stage name—behind to set up shop as a potter. Her online business keeps her occupied and fulfilled, but she misses having someone special to share her life.
Micah Baxter has enjoyed the year he’s worked in his family’s bakery in Arcadia Valley, even if his siblings are all finding love, leaving him the odd man out. When Micah delivers the cookies Serena ordered for an event at her pottery studio, the attraction between them is hard to deny. But so are their differences.
Having been a fan when he was younger, Micah knows all about Serena’s bad-girl history. So how can he trust the feelings that grow between them? And if Hollywood comes calling, will Serena be content to stay?
Welcome to Arcadia Valley, Idaho, where a foodie culture and romance grow hand-in-hand. Join my friends and me as we release a book every month set in Arcadia Valley. You’ll enjoy meeting old friends and making new ones as each of the six authors’ books intertwine with the previous stories in this Christian romance series. Get started with Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley and follow along at Arcadia Valley Romance dot com to make sure you don’t miss any installments!
Cookies & Candlelight is the second full-length novel in the Baxter Family Bakery series set in Arcadia Valley. It follows the novel, Muffins & Moonbeams. The series begins with a novella, Loaves & Wishes, that was introduced in Arcadia Valley Book 1, Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley. Get your copy today to spend more time baking with the Baxter family.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2017
43 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Maddrey
69 books253 followersUSA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 12, 2017
Cookies And Candlelight by Elizabeth Maddrey is a deliciously delightful contemporary Christian romance and part of the Arcadia Valley series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
This Arcadia Valley collection has produced some wonderful stories that are linked by characters, food and the theme of sustainability. This novel concentrates on good food, locally produced and sourced, with one eye very much on the carbon footprint. We have a duty of care to look after God's earth. With much of Cookies And Candlelight set in a bakery, the reader has their taste buds tempted by all the baked goodies.
Elizabeth Maddrey has produced warm and wonderful characters that just lodge themselves in the reader's heart. There is a fabulous family atmosphere and the reader 'feels' included in the action.
The novel has many themes including that of God's plans. When we reach a crossroads in life, we need to pray for guidance and follow God's direction. "She still hadn't mastered the habit of taking things to God when she needed to make a decision." Prayer is the best thing we can do at all times, and not just when we face crucial points in our lives.
God is the God of restoration and new beginnings. When we say 'yes' to God, we are a new creation. We may still be in our normal habitat but we are now required to be a light for Jesus and shine His love in the dark places.
The novel has the discussion of sin and forgiveness. Non Christians live by a different set of rules to Christians. If we find ourselves in danger of slipping back into old patterns, we can turn to God and ask for both His strength and forgiveness.
Grief is also touched upon. "Moving on didn't mean forgetting." We all need to move forwards into the future but we do not need to forget the past.
There is the theme of scars. "My scars are too visible." Sometimes our scars can be seen, and not others. We all pick up scars along the way.
Appearances and foundations are duel themes. For some, life is about appearances and power. These produce a foundation of sand. Far better to build our lives on Our Rock, Jesus, the only firm foundation.
There is the motif of clay in the potter's hand. This is us being formed by God's hand. He heats us, wets us, moulds us and turns us until we are perfectly formed in the image of Jesus.
I adore Elizabeth Maddrey's writings. I cannot get enough of them. Cookies And Candlelight was another wonderful read that I cannot recommend highly enough.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
This Arcadia Valley collection has produced some wonderful stories that are linked by characters, food and the theme of sustainability. This novel concentrates on good food, locally produced and sourced, with one eye very much on the carbon footprint. We have a duty of care to look after God's earth. With much of Cookies And Candlelight set in a bakery, the reader has their taste buds tempted by all the baked goodies.
Elizabeth Maddrey has produced warm and wonderful characters that just lodge themselves in the reader's heart. There is a fabulous family atmosphere and the reader 'feels' included in the action.
The novel has many themes including that of God's plans. When we reach a crossroads in life, we need to pray for guidance and follow God's direction. "She still hadn't mastered the habit of taking things to God when she needed to make a decision." Prayer is the best thing we can do at all times, and not just when we face crucial points in our lives.
God is the God of restoration and new beginnings. When we say 'yes' to God, we are a new creation. We may still be in our normal habitat but we are now required to be a light for Jesus and shine His love in the dark places.
The novel has the discussion of sin and forgiveness. Non Christians live by a different set of rules to Christians. If we find ourselves in danger of slipping back into old patterns, we can turn to God and ask for both His strength and forgiveness.
Grief is also touched upon. "Moving on didn't mean forgetting." We all need to move forwards into the future but we do not need to forget the past.
There is the theme of scars. "My scars are too visible." Sometimes our scars can be seen, and not others. We all pick up scars along the way.
Appearances and foundations are duel themes. For some, life is about appearances and power. These produce a foundation of sand. Far better to build our lives on Our Rock, Jesus, the only firm foundation.
There is the motif of clay in the potter's hand. This is us being formed by God's hand. He heats us, wets us, moulds us and turns us until we are perfectly formed in the image of Jesus.
I adore Elizabeth Maddrey's writings. I cannot get enough of them. Cookies And Candlelight was another wonderful read that I cannot recommend highly enough.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
September 12, 2017
One of my favorite things about the book was how the author wrote a beautiful story of two people getting to know each other and not afraid to share their faith. It is a very refreshing story and I loved the setting in Idaho. I went to Idaho when I was younger and have never forgotten how beautiful it is there.
Serena is a character that I immediately connected to. She is sweet and is looking for a place to belong without all the glamour and star treatment she once had. I thought the author did an exceptional job describing the inner workings of pottery making. I could see Serena working with the clay as she molds it into a work of art. It was a great stress reliever for Serena and God gifted her with a talent to make works of art. After suffering a tragic accident I can understand why she would want to get away from the gossip and grieve in her own way. She walked away from fame and never looked back.
Micah is every woman's dream. He is good looking, helps with the family business and can cook. Oh I know as people walked into the bakery they could smell fresh bread, muffins hot out of the oven and cookies that melt in your mouth. I loved the first encounter that Serena and Micah had. Im sure Micah thought Serena was a bit pushy. I love Serena's take charge attitude and the way she handles herself around others.
The story is easy to read with characters that share their faith without hesitation. Serena does have a past that will soon catch up with her. How will Micah react when he finds out who she is? Will Serena be able to let go of the past and allow Micah into her heart? They are so different from each other, but there is no denying the attraction between them. I wanted the story to go on forever because I fell in love with the people in this quaint little town.
The author has written a story that made me realize that our past doesn't have to define who we are today. How hard would it be to ignore rumors about someone you love? Could you forgive them of their past?
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Serena is a character that I immediately connected to. She is sweet and is looking for a place to belong without all the glamour and star treatment she once had. I thought the author did an exceptional job describing the inner workings of pottery making. I could see Serena working with the clay as she molds it into a work of art. It was a great stress reliever for Serena and God gifted her with a talent to make works of art. After suffering a tragic accident I can understand why she would want to get away from the gossip and grieve in her own way. She walked away from fame and never looked back.
Micah is every woman's dream. He is good looking, helps with the family business and can cook. Oh I know as people walked into the bakery they could smell fresh bread, muffins hot out of the oven and cookies that melt in your mouth. I loved the first encounter that Serena and Micah had. Im sure Micah thought Serena was a bit pushy. I love Serena's take charge attitude and the way she handles herself around others.
The story is easy to read with characters that share their faith without hesitation. Serena does have a past that will soon catch up with her. How will Micah react when he finds out who she is? Will Serena be able to let go of the past and allow Micah into her heart? They are so different from each other, but there is no denying the attraction between them. I wanted the story to go on forever because I fell in love with the people in this quaint little town.
The author has written a story that made me realize that our past doesn't have to define who we are today. How hard would it be to ignore rumors about someone you love? Could you forgive them of their past?
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
October 14, 2017
Full review on Faithfully Bookish 10/16/17
There's so much to enjoy in this small tight-knit community, fresh food, talented artisans, compassionate neighbors, diversity, and a strong foundation of faith. The Baxters are one of my favorite families in Arcadia Valley.
Micah is the traditional bookish brother of the bunch and as much as he adores his family, I could absolutely relate to his need to get away from time to time. New-comer Serena Johnson has mostly kept to herself since leaving her former life behind.
Overall, I must highly recommend this book! The characters are authentic and their story beautifully illustrates the power of God's grace and love. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the Baxter Family Bakery series (Jonah's story, YAY!) yet I'm reluctant to say goodbye to these sweet characters!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
There's so much to enjoy in this small tight-knit community, fresh food, talented artisans, compassionate neighbors, diversity, and a strong foundation of faith. The Baxters are one of my favorite families in Arcadia Valley.
Micah is the traditional bookish brother of the bunch and as much as he adores his family, I could absolutely relate to his need to get away from time to time. New-comer Serena Johnson has mostly kept to herself since leaving her former life behind.
Overall, I must highly recommend this book! The characters are authentic and their story beautifully illustrates the power of God's grace and love. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the Baxter Family Bakery series (Jonah's story, YAY!) yet I'm reluctant to say goodbye to these sweet characters!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2017
My Musings
I enjoyed this book and the gentle romance between the hero and the heroine. The ending was a bit disappointing, but other than that it was wonderful. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I enjoyed this book and the gentle romance between the hero and the heroine. The ending was a bit disappointing, but other than that it was wonderful. Happy ☺reading 📚!
May 21, 2019
Love the heroine's career. Not one you see often in CF. On to book 3
September 15, 2017
An awesome book. I loved the development of the characters who became so real and a part of my family. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
May 26, 2018
I have been enjoying this multi-author series centered in a fictional community in Idaho. I love the focus on faith and supporting local businesses-- not just food, but also craftsmen. It's beautiful to see what happens when the whole town is on the same page.
This story is about Micah, the second twin of the Baxter family bakery. He gets stuck doing deliveries one night and gets roped into setting up the food for the hostess. He is immediately struck by her red hair. Serena left her promising film career after a tragic accident and started a new life in Idaho as a potter.
What is refreshing about this story is that the characters admit to themselves and each other what they want, there's not all that back and forth and trying to have the other person be a mind reader. The mixing of the Arcadia Valley scene and the LA movie scene was an interesting side story.
This story is about Micah, the second twin of the Baxter family bakery. He gets stuck doing deliveries one night and gets roped into setting up the food for the hostess. He is immediately struck by her red hair. Serena left her promising film career after a tragic accident and started a new life in Idaho as a potter.
What is refreshing about this story is that the characters admit to themselves and each other what they want, there's not all that back and forth and trying to have the other person be a mind reader. The mixing of the Arcadia Valley scene and the LA movie scene was an interesting side story.
February 20, 2025
In this third book of the Baxter Family Bakery series, we get to read about Micah and see all the crazy things that happen to him. Being a twin has its issues, but he also wants to find his place in the business. From the first page of this book, we read how he is taken on a fascinating adventure with a woman he’d never dreamed of knowing.
I loved all the banter and crazy events in this story. I also loved reading about pottery and the fun, creative styles. I have worked with clay, and I totally related to what Serena was experiencing. It was so much fun!
Whenever I find a book by Elizabeth Maddrey, I have to get it because I love her writing style. Her stories flow smoothly and are full of sweet, tender moments.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. It will warm your heart.
I loved all the banter and crazy events in this story. I also loved reading about pottery and the fun, creative styles. I have worked with clay, and I totally related to what Serena was experiencing. It was so much fun!
Whenever I find a book by Elizabeth Maddrey, I have to get it because I love her writing style. Her stories flow smoothly and are full of sweet, tender moments.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. It will warm your heart.
August 27, 2017
Cookies & Candlelight by Elizabeth Maddrey is a clean, Christian, contemporary romance. The story line and characters are well developed. I like that Elizabeth makes her characters true to life. They are as imperfect as anyone; with hang ups and insecurities. If is very nice to read a Christian romance where the author has a nice balance between religion and everyday life. She does not try to preach to you but shows through her characters how to live a Christian life. I thoroughly enjoyed Book 1 and this book. I will most definitely be reading more books by Elizabeth Maddrey and highly recommend them to others. I did receive an ARC but voluntarily read and gave my honest, fair review.
August 1, 2017
Serena and Micahs story is truly amazing. When Micah makes a delivery for the bakery, he is surprised by Serena. Serena is completely different from what Micah is used to in a woman. Watching these twos relationship change is wonderful. You won't be able to stop reading this book. The characters are all wonderful people. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. The reaction to this book is honest reaction to this book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
September 20, 2017
A Beautiful Love Begins …
Malachi usually delivers for their bakery, but his twin brother, Micah, ended up delivering the special order for Serena. She immediately puts him to work, helping get the refreshments ready to serve, while she gets herself ready! What a fun way to start a book; and it flows wonderfully into the possibility of more than “going the extra mile” for a customer. This is wonderfully written, and gently flows from the beginning to the end. It is a book you don’t want to miss reading! The series of books (Arcadia Valley romances), just keeps getting better!
Malachi usually delivers for their bakery, but his twin brother, Micah, ended up delivering the special order for Serena. She immediately puts him to work, helping get the refreshments ready to serve, while she gets herself ready! What a fun way to start a book; and it flows wonderfully into the possibility of more than “going the extra mile” for a customer. This is wonderfully written, and gently flows from the beginning to the end. It is a book you don’t want to miss reading! The series of books (Arcadia Valley romances), just keeps getting better!
October 4, 2017
I'm still being delighted with the Arcadia Valley series that 6 authors put together. In "Cookies and Candlelight" Micah meets Serena, a woman he once loved from afar as a teen. Now he meets her in real life and she is not anything like he thought. As he gets to know her, the more drawn he is to her. Serena is re-establishing herself in a new life that makes much more sense to her. Meeting a new man in her life causes her some soul searching. I enjoyed their story very much. Also, after having read Micah's twin's story not long ago, this was fun.
August 2, 2018
This book focuses on Micah, with plenty of appearances by the other Baxter siblings and friends. Micah is sent on a last minute delivery to Serena Johnson’s house. She’s having a pottery party and instantly drags Micah in to help with getting the food ready. Micah has an idea to include some mugs and plates in their bakery for the customers who come in to buy and eat. The story continues with them getting to know each other and Serena trying to decide if she wasn’t to give in to her parent’s wishes. Another great Arcadia story. Can’t wait to see what Jonah’s story is going to be about.
September 15, 2017
LA meets DC. Annoying paparazzi, a teen crush, a movie star, handsome twins, one of a kind pottery, a fragrant bakery, and upcoming wedding makes Elizabeth Maddrey's Cookies and Candlelight a delightful, inspiring read. Lovable characters and twist and turn plot draws the reader into this fun read. Well written with a satisfying resolution. Another Arcadia Valley Romance hit.
October 26, 2017
?!
I really wanted to give this book a bad rating but I just couldn't because the writing was great, the editing was above average, the characters were real and wonderful, and the storyline was great. BUT, I don't like hanging endings and this hung more than normal. I'm hoping one of the books in the series will finish the story.
I really wanted to give this book a bad rating but I just couldn't because the writing was great, the editing was above average, the characters were real and wonderful, and the storyline was great. BUT, I don't like hanging endings and this hung more than normal. I'm hoping one of the books in the series will finish the story.
February 20, 2023
Cookies and Candlelight
I really enjoyed this story. This one was about Malici and Serena. She was a famous actress in hiding in Arcadia Valley. She had been in in a plane crash and stopped acting when she went into seclusion.. making pottery and selling it was her major income. She met Malici and they started dating. More to come, just enjoy their story.
I really enjoyed this story. This one was about Malici and Serena. She was a famous actress in hiding in Arcadia Valley. She had been in in a plane crash and stopped acting when she went into seclusion.. making pottery and selling it was her major income. She met Malici and they started dating. More to come, just enjoy their story.
August 23, 2023
Expectations
What do people expect of you? Serena and Micah are up against that question in this book. I love how this author deals with real-life issues in her books. I learned a lot about pottery, as well as dealing with people's expectations of you after a new life in Christ. Another excellent story with a happy ending.
What do people expect of you? Serena and Micah are up against that question in this book. I love how this author deals with real-life issues in her books. I learned a lot about pottery, as well as dealing with people's expectations of you after a new life in Christ. Another excellent story with a happy ending.
March 8, 2020
Good!
I really enjoyed this book. I wish the ending hadn’t felt so rushed! I could have handled a longer book, because it ended so quickly. This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was good.
I really enjoyed this book. I wish the ending hadn’t felt so rushed! I could have handled a longer book, because it ended so quickly. This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was good.
October 4, 2019
The Baxter Family Baker series has been so enjoyable .... light reading, great Christian morals, and hard to put down!
May 26, 2020
A Wonderful part of a series dealing with the relationships between adult siblings and their spouses.
September 4, 2017
I enjoyed the story. It is a light-hearted story with slightly imperfect characters - which in my opinion are the best kind. Micah is a little too nervous to ask Serena out or act on his attraction, despite the fact that she has made it clear that she is interested in him. Serena is used to being assertive to get what she wants, and that worries Micah a bit.
I enjoyed learning a little bit about pottery and the Japanese form that Serena did and loved the descriptions of the treats that Micah baked. Yumm.
Though there is mention of prayer and changed lives, this is not a preachy book that would offend a non-Christian
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I enjoyed learning a little bit about pottery and the Japanese form that Serena did and loved the descriptions of the treats that Micah baked. Yumm.
Though there is mention of prayer and changed lives, this is not a preachy book that would offend a non-Christian
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
October 12, 2017
I am so happy to return to Arcadia Valley to catch up with old friends and to watch the romance of Michigan and Serena blossom amid the pottery wheel and yummy treats of the bakery.
This was a beautiful story about second chances,God's love, and guidance.
This was a beautiful story about second chances,God's love, and guidance.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews