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The Christmas Confection

(Hardman Holidays #6)

Shanna Hatfield (Goodreads Author)

4.53 · Rating details · 257 ratings · 46 reviews

Will a sweet baker soften a hardened man’s heart? Find out in this historical holiday romance!

Born to an outlaw father and a shrewish mother, Fred Decker feels obligated to atone for the past without much hope for his future. If he possessed a lick of sense, he’d pack up and leave the town where he was born and raised, but something. . . someone. . . unknowingly holds him there. Captivated by Hardman’s beautiful baker, Fred fights his attraction to the lovely woman. He buries himself in his work, refusing to let his heart dream.

Elsa Lindstrom adores the life she’s carved out for herself in a small Eastern Oregon town. She and her twin brother, Ethan, run their own bakery where she delights in creating delicious treats. Then Ethan comes home unexpectedly married, the drunks in town mistakenly identify her as a missing harlot, and a mishap in the bakery leaves her at the mercy of the most gossiped-about man in Hardman.

Mix in the arrival of three fairy-like aunts, blend with a criminal bent on dastardly schemes, and sprinkle in a hidden cache of gold for a sweet Victorian romance brimming with laughter and heartwarming holiday cheer.

˃˃˃ Enjoy all the books in the Hardman Holidays series!

* The Christmas Bargain (Book 1) When Luke Granger calls in a long overdue loan, he reluctantly accepts a bargain in lieu of payment from the shiftless farmer who barters his daughter to settle his debt.

* The Christmas Token (Book 2) Determined to escape an unwelcome suitor, Ginny Granger flees to her brother’s home in Eastern Oregon for the holiday season. The last thing she expects is to encounter the boy she once loved, her exile proves to be anything but restful.

* The Christmas Calamity (Book 3) Arlan Guthry's uncluttered world tilts off kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.

* The Christmas Vow (Book 4) Sailor Adam Guthry returns home to bury his best friend and his past, only to fall once more for the girl who broke his heart.

* The Christmas Quandary (Book 5) In need of a place to recuperate from a work injury, Tom Grove heads home for the holidays. He didn’t plan on his parents acting like lovesick newlyweds, being asked to teach at the school, or falling in love.

* The Christmas Confection (Book 6) Will Hardman's sweet baker be able to soften Fred Decker's hardened heart in time for a Christmas miracle?

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Kindle Edition, 330 pages

Published December 5th 2017

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A Mackenzie Family Christmas by Jennifer Ashley

Historical Christmas/Winter Romance

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· 257 ratings · 46 reviews

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Dec 04, 2019 ✨ Gramy ✨ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: five-star-shelf-it-was-amazing, c-clean-and-wholesome, c-christian-inspirational, c-romance-historical-americas

..

The Christmas Confection is the sixth installation of 'The Hardman Holidays' series by Shanna Hatfield. For those who are reading the series in order, we now get to focus on Fred and how his life changed after such a horrendous experience much earlier on in the series.

It is exciting to follow the lives of the main characters, some who may have been, but usually both might not have been introduced inside the previous books, in this series, as each book weaves this community of friends and neigh ...more

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Dec 13, 2017 Stephanie Jenkins Ortiz Cerrillo rated it it was amazing

A great little Christmas story that made me ready to start doing my Christmas baking and kept giving me a sweet tooth. I do wish I had read the previous books in this series first so I would have known Fred Decker's life history. That way I would have understood his hang-up on what he deserved in his life. I just loved him, his personality and his morals and goals. He deserves his happily ever after and so does the town baker, Elsa Lindstrom.

Fred's always helping others. He's the first to volun A great little Christmas story that made me ready to start doing my Christmas baking and kept giving me a sweet tooth. I do wish I had read the previous books in this series first so I would have known Fred Decker's life history. That way I would have understood his hang-up on what he deserved in his life. I just loved him, his personality and his morals and goals. He deserves his happily ever after and so does the town baker, Elsa Lindstrom.

Fred's always helping others. He's the first to volunteer when someone needs a helping hand. He just might jump in and fix something before he's even asked to do it. He finds himself always thinking about, wanting to see and help the single co-owner of the town bakery. He thinks she above his social bracket and deserves a better man than he could ever be. He had an outlaw for a father and a town gossip for a mother that was a very difficult mother to have. She wasn't a very good mother. Fred feels he must make up for all his parents misdeeds. Fred thinks he's all alone in this world until he contacts his grandfathers lawyer and enquires for any information the lawyer can give him on his grandfather and his family. Fred is surprised when three aunts show up and his life begins to change with the help of these three spunky, giving, funny and very weathly woman.

Elsa Lindstrom and her twin brother Ethan have opened a bakery in Hardman. They're following in their families footsteps of a long line of bakers but Elsa wanted to strike out on her own and be able to experiment with recipes and to bake more than her parents baked in their bakery. She has goals of having the best bakery in the states and maybe even in the world. She doesn't have time for a man to mess with her goals and aspirations. Then why does she find herself always thinking about Fred Decker and why is she finding herself depending on him so much. Everything was going just as she planned until her brother came home from a short trip to buy holiday supplies for their bakery, married. Everything falls apart until Fred keeps showing up to save the day.

Things for Elsa and Fred seem to be going as planned until some criminals from Fred and his father's past show up. These men seem to think that Elsa is a missing "lady-of-the-night" named Gloria and she knows where there is some missing gold. Fred finds Elsa and his aunts in danger and he's got to find a way to keep them safe but it may be too late. Elsa's missing and there's blood and disarray in her bakery and apartment.

You never know where this plot will take you and how it will turn out. The Christmas Confection is a great little romance with a mystery built in. It was a pleasure to read. ...more

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Dec 05, 2017 Glenda Kinard rated it it was amazing

Fred and Elsa totally stole my heart . I am totally going to be addicted to Shanna Hatfield books she is amazing this was my second book by her and I currently have many more on my to read list. I love her!!! I cannot say enough nice things about this Author's penmanship she is simply Wonderful!!!! ...more

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Dec 05, 2017 Dorothy Roller rated it it was amazing

This is the sixth book in the Hardman Holiday series. I really loved this story and I think this is the best one so far. I love them all but they keep getting better and better. Shanna Hatfield really knows how to build very good characters that are complex and usually have a troubled past maybe just one of them or both the hero and heroine.
Elsa is a baker and she and her twin brother moved to Hardman from Boston to start a second bakery in the family. They wanted something different and so the This is the sixth book in the Hardman Holiday series. I really loved this story and I think this is the best one so far. I love them all but they keep getting better and better. Shanna Hatfield really knows how to build very good characters that are complex and usually have a troubled past maybe just one of them or both the hero and heroine.
Elsa is a baker and she and her twin brother moved to Hardman from Boston to start a second bakery in the family. They wanted something different and so the pooled their resources and bought the bakery from the people who had it before and weren’t very successful.
Fred is a young man who lived most of his life in Hardman but moved away for awhile until his mom had a stroke and he came home to take care of her. He had a very difficult past with a father as an outlaw and he just can’t seem to shake his past.
He started falling in love with Elsa the moment sure stepped of the stagecoach. But he knew he could never get a woman like her with his past.
Elsa is a fabulous baker and the whole town practically visits every day to get baked goods and sometimes breakfast and lunch with Elsa whips up while doing her baking.
There are some men from the saloon that think she is a harlot that went missing long ago as she does resemble this other woman but Fred know she is no. She has told people she isn’t this other woman but the men at the saloon.
As you can imagine with this background all kinds of things start happening between Elsa and Fred and adventure and danger await with these idiot men who think she is someone this other woman.
This story also has fun, funny stuff and sass and sarcasm all trademarks of Shanna Hatfield’s fantastic writing.
I highly encourage you to purchase this book as I know you will love it. If you are familiar already with the series they go get this book now as you will want to read it and you can’t put it down.

I was offered this ARC without promising to do a review but I wanted to review this story as I love Shanna Hatfield’s stories immensely.
...more

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Jan 21, 2018 Cynthia rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, romance-westerns

The author bring you a wonderful story of danger, learning to deal with ones past, excitement with old fashion values that you only find from the west years ago. She spins a tale that will pull on your heart, making you talk to the characters and wanting to hold them close in their time of need. It really breaks your heart all Fred has to deal with from his past but at the same time brings you pleasure at his future.

Both Fred and Elsa are very strong people both really knowing what they think t ...more

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Dec 02, 2017 Phyllis rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars, romance, christmas, historical-fiction

If you have ever struggled with feelings of insecurity and lack of self-worth, you've got nothing on Fred. Because of his father's crimes and the abuse he heaped on him, Fred feels unworthy and unlovable. He is one of the hardest workers in town and is constantly showing kindness to anyone he comes across who needs it, but still only sees himself as the son of a reprobate.

Elsa and Ethan were super close as twins, when things changed between them, she felt betrayed and all alone. Well, except ...more

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Dec 05, 2017 Shash rated it it was amazing

Shelves: re-read-worthy, to-review, christmas, 2017-challenges

I loved this book! It left me with such a great, happy, hopeful feeling. It is full of the messages of redemption, forgiveness, acceptance and love – so perfect for the Christmas season!

If you’ve read the rest of the series, you first met Fred in The Christmas Calamity. He was a trouble making teen, whose life was not headed in a positive direction. By choosing to change, and with great mentors and examples in the town, he has become an incredible man!! The difference between who he was, and wh ...more

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Dec 01, 2017 Julia David rated it really liked it

I really like Elsa and Fred. I liked the Christmas traditions of Elsa's family. They are very interesting. Fred grew up in the town, Elsa has been there a little over a year. Fred wasn't the nicest person when he was younger but decided that he needed to change his ways. Many of the men in town helped him. Now Fred doesn't need to work, but he helps everyone in town in one way or another. He really wants to court Elsa, but he knows that she deserves a far better man than he is. Elsa is trying to ...more

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Dec 01, 2017 Doni rated it it was amazing

🎄 The Christmas Confection, 🎄
by Shanna Hatfield, is a terrific book.
It is a heart warming, & touching story.
Fred, has lived in Hardman, his whole life. His childhood was not the best.
At 14 years old, he was forced to do something, no boy at that age should do.
Because of his father's bad reputation,
he feels he was worthless. Until Elsa,
moved to town, with her brother,
& opened the best bakery, in Oregon.
Over time, with Fred stopping in everyday
for his sweet treat, he & Elsa's friendship blos ...more

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Dec 06, 2017 Ann-Maree Howarth rated it it was amazing

This is a wonderful historical Christmas romance that will have you mouth-watering with all the sweet talk of baked goods. This is the first Hardman Holiday series of books that I have read but after meeting some of the characters in this book I really would love to read more about this great little town. Shanna Hatfield has such a way with words and her description has you feeling like you can taste and smell the delicious food being described during this story. Her characters are full of inter ...more

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Dec 05, 2017 Tracy Sylvester rated it it was amazing

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am leaving my honest review based on my enjoyment of the book.

Fred Decker can't help who his family is. His father was an outlaw and murder. His Mother, although she loved him wasn't the best Mom. Fred doesn't feel he is worthy of love by a woman because of his father's past. He becomes a hard worker and respected citizen in his town. When Elsa Lindstrom arrives in Eastern Oregon he becomes enthralled with her from the start. Elsa a ...more

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Jan 08, 2019 Julynn rated it it was amazing

Ms. Hatfield does it again! She writes another sweet tale about Hardman. This story involving the reformed Fred Decker, who is a truly worthy hero in this tale and Ms. Elsa Lindstrom is a sweet, beautiful baker who delights the entire town with her talents. Fred wrestles with his past to embrace the town's acceptance and support while making new connections with his mother's family. Elsa accepts changes with her own family with her twin brother unexpectedly marries and brings home a bride, upset ...more

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Dec 06, 2017 Britney rated it it was amazing

I loved this sweet story. Once you get started you will want to devour it in one sitting! I loved the characters in this book. I really felt for them and the things that they had gone through. I found myself not wanting to stop reading because I wanted to find out what would happen, I really wanted them to find a happily ever after. This book took me through all kinds of emotions, from being happy, to sad, to mad, to frustrated, back to happy again. I think it takes a special book to do that. I ...more

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Dec 15, 2017 Becky rated it really liked it

This was a wonderful, sweet romance book. The characters were so real and strong. Fred and Elsa have feelings for each other, but both have their reasons for not pursuing anything permanent or letting the other know how they feel. The story has twists and turns along with love of family and friends, pasts that need to be put behind them and romance. I loved when Fred's family came to visit. These are aunts anyone would love to have. The only two things I found that I didn't care for was: the Kin ...more

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Dec 02, 2017 Gina rated it it was amazing

Boy oh boy what a wonderful story of baker, Elsa and former bad boy, Fred who helps everybody who helped redeem him. The only problem is Fred has not extended that grace to himself. While Elsa is busy with her bakery she does not have time for romance even though she and Fred have feelings for each other. Those feelings continue to grow, but before they can truly follow those feelings, Fred must forgive himself and Ella will need to realize she does have time for romance. I received a compliment ...more

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Apr 24, 2018 Satinstitcher rated it it was amazing

I am totally in love with this town!!!!

I once again found I couldn't put the book down! So happy for Fred and Elsa. The bakery was so inviting kept me wanted a big fluffy cinnamon bun. The aunties were adorable. Please tell me are not stopping at book 6. I'm sure I'm not alone wondering what happens to Percy and Anna. That would be the perfect ending to the series since Percy has been running up and down the boardwalk and in and out of every home in town. Gotta o
Love that kid! Please don't leave ...more

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Apr 21, 2020 Theresa rated it it was amazing

Amazingly sweet story

It's hard to believe that Fred is the same character from this series. He's grown so much and has become a very lovable character. I loved all the intrigue and mystery that this story held. The last few chapters, especially, had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Fred's the aunts are very lovable and interesting characters too. I hope they become part of one of the next books in this series. I'd like to read more about them. They are so very e ...more

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Dec 02, 2017 Tonya Lucas rated it it was amazing

Christmas Confections by Shanna Hatfield isn’t only fun, whimsical, but it is down right addicting and I mean addicting. Fred and Elsa are two complete opposites but what the each other needs. Shanna has a way of combining super-sweet with a little mystery to make this a super spicy-sweet book. Only one thing that made this book hard to read was the fact that I wanted to get up and go bake some of Elsa’s delightful pastries.
A perfect Christmas book for the most wonderful time of the year.

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Dec 03, 2017 Nancy Luebke rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this Historical Holiday Romance. I received this as a gift and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. I really liked this couple.I liked how they sort of danced around each other. A couple steps together, then another apart. There were a lot of fun characters in this story, as well as some bad guys. it really left me with a good feeling, and was a interesting Christmas read. ...more

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Dec 05, 2017 Sherri rated it really liked it

Fred has to decide what effects a lot of bad family history will have on his future. Will he let it stop him from pursuing a relationship with the sweet baker, Elsa? And will Elsa take time from her goals for her shop to think about the possibility of marriage? I enjoyed seeing how things played out for the two of them. I craved cinnamon rolls throughout this book! (I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

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Dec 31, 2017 Vicki or Dennis Johnson rated it it was amazing

A wonderful addition to the Hardman Christmas stories

Well Fred has certainly changed since he was in high school! What a pleasure to see the young man that he has become. A true friend always ready to help and give his time to his friends. I get a kick out of all the men in this series and their addiction to the wonderful baked goods! This has been a delightful series to read and I hope that we will have a story coming about Percy and Anna!

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Jan 01, 2021 Earlene Click rated it it was amazing

Fred and Elsa

This is a sweet, exciting, adventurous, love story written by Shanna Hatfield. She has done an excellent job with the plot and the characters. Never a dull moment of boredom written anywhere in this tale. I’m sure you will enjoy discovering how Fred and Elsa find their happily ever after.

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Dec 06, 2017 Debora Wolff rated it it was amazing

Fred and Elsa's love story didn't have a smooth road . He didn't think he would ever be good enough for anyone because of his family and she just wanted to concentrate on her bakery. Ahhhh, but plans and circumstances sometimes get changed. ...more

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Dec 07, 2017 Patricia rated it it was amazing

loved the story. the bad boy grows up, love the 3 aunties. if you have read anyof Shanna's books you will love this one. i was given a copy of the book but i am giving an honest review. i have read the whole series and love it. ...more

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Dec 15, 2017 Robyn Echols rated it it was amazing

Sweet

Great characters captured my attention and kept me reading. First Elsa's life is shaken up. Great plot when Fred's family he did not know existed contact him. Then his past shows up. Exciting at the end. ...more

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Jan 16, 2018 Judy Esposito rated it it was amazing

The Christmas Confection Book 6!

Another wonderful addition to The Hardman Series. I loved Fred, so happy Shanna Hatfield gave him his own book and Elsa to love him. Enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the perfect ending for Fred. JudyE

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Jan 31, 2018 Nari rated it really liked it

This was a heartwarming story of redemption and love. Fred is trying to make up for his past and his father and he feels unworthy of love. Elsa only sees Fred as a hard worker and her hero. Will Fred let go of the past and see what is waiting for him?

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Mar 20, 2018 Mary Jane McLeod rated it it was amazing

Great series

The more of this series I read the better I liked it. The books made me smile as the characters came to life in the stories. I'm hoping there will be more books in the series. ...more

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Nov 16, 2018 Doris M. Lama rated it it was amazing

One of the best series I've read

Six fabulous books that have you fully engaged with the characters. Delightful stories! Great plots. Should be made into a movie or Hallmark series. Would love to see more added to this series. Best of the best! ...more

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Jul 12, 2019 Sara Schlatter rated it it was amazing

Love this Series!

Shanna Hatfield does a great job of storytelling and sprinkles in enough romance and love to keep me hooked. Fred and Elsa story was wonderful, making me happy that Fred was able to find the love of his life.

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About Shanna Hatfield

Shanna Hatfield

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A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her histor ...more