The Heart of Baker Bay

by Danielle Jacks

Jody

Being fired is not a pleasant experience, although it’s something I’ve become good at. I’ve had more jobs than most people have in a lifetime. When my gran has an accident, I find myself volunteering to manage her seaside café. I’m the last person anyone should rely on, but for some crazy reason, I’m on my way to save the day. What could possibly go wrong?

Adam

Clover Bay is my home. Keeping my head down and enjoying the simple life is all I want. Jody’s temporarily staying in the village to help her grandmother. At first, she seems high maintenance, but it isn’t long before I can see through the cracks. I don’t want to like her, but there is something about her I can’t stay away from.

Can one small village set two hearts free, or will Clover Bay become a distant memory of summer dreams for Jody?

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2021

About the author

Danielle lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband, daughter, and tortoise. She enjoys reading, watching the rain, and listening to old music. Her dreams include writing stories, visiting magical places, and staying young at heart. The people who know her describe her as someone who has her head in the clouds and her mind in a book.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Heart of Bakers Bay has just become my favourite read by Danielle Jacks. It is all about finding yourself, growth, and family- wrapped up in a sweet small town romance.
Jody’s life is a bit of a mess. She coasts through life one bumble to the next. She can’t seem to hold a job, and if it weren’t for her sister, she would have nowhere to live. Jody has no expectations of herself, no real goals, and her family treat her like a lost hope. Then her grandmother has an accident and next minute Jody finds herself with the task of running her gran’s small town café. Easy peasy, right? Well, not so much.
Adam is a local in town who doesn’t have time for outsiders. And definitely this outsider! Things are definitely about to get interesting…
I loved the growth and development that Jody went through- she really ‘grew up’ over the course of the story. Adam is so sweet, and he surely wasn’t expecting Jody to come bumbling into his life. But they are both tied together in their desire to help someone in need.
A sweet read!

Thank you, Danielle Jacks!

[Ashley Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jody is what I would call an underachiever. She likes where her life is, and although she’s never kept a job for very long, it’s more about the familiarity with the places and people that she has in Manchester. Shortly after losing her job as a hotel maid, her grandmother in Clover Bay falls and hurts her wrist. Jody promises Adam that there will be a member of her family there the following morning to help. Much to her chagrin, her sister, Hannah, tells her that she will be the one to go to Clover Bay since she made the promise.

Adam is a lifer in Clover Bay. He enjoys his life in Clover Bay and doesn’t like outsiders. After Molly, the owner of The Botanist, Adam calls her granddaughter, Hannah, hoping that she can come and help while Molly recuperates after her accident. Instead, Adam is met by Jody at the top of the hill. She is dressed like a high maintenance, city girl, and he sees her as an intrusion to his quiet hometown.

After talking with Jody, Adam realizes that Jody is insecure. Her failings in life seem to be broadcast as she hopelessly tries to learn how to manage her grandmother’s tea shop and how to bake. Hoping he can make this a little easier, he takes small steps to help her achieve. During his time helping, Adam and Jody grow close. Can a small town man get a city girl like Jody to believe in the small town life? Or will Jody return to her city life?

Danielle Jacks did an amazing job with this sweet story.

[Kerry carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. It is a sweet romance and is also about finding yourself and where you belong. The author does an amazing job with the characters making them come alive and feel real for the reader.

Jody thinks she is a screw up. Every jobs she tries she fails at. She just can't seem to find her place in the world and figure out what she's good at. When she gets a call saying her grandmother has had a fall and needs her help Jody takes it upon herself to go to her aid. After all what can happen in a small place running a cafe? And who knows this might just be the place she feels at home?

Adam is a local lad who doesn't like tourists or outsiders invading his town. After an ex (who was an outsider) left and broke his heart Adam keeps his distance. That is until Jody comes steam rolling into his life. He doesn't want to like her, he wants to keep far away from her, however something is drawing them together.

Can Adam let his guard down and trust another outsider? Will Jody finally find her place running her grandmother's cafe? Or will they both be left heartbroken if Jody messed up again and leaves?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story! Its very enjoyable to read. The banter and struggles are fun and realistic. The characters are easy to love. They brought smiles to my face and joy to my heart. Adam seemed so grumpy and sometimes just plain mean. As the story progresses we learn why he is that way and what his struggles are. I love his job..its just down to earth. Jody deems herself a failure…pretty much at life. Her last ditch effort turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Watching Jody and Adam overcome their strife and coming out the other side as better people was a delight.

Secondary characters are just and fun, crazy and different as the two main ones. Gram, Sarah, Hannah heck even the townies make me smile.

One of my favorite things about this authors stories is how she makes everything come together. Even the smallest detail which normally I would just ignore or blow off..she makes it part of the story. I love that! That epilogue just added to the charm of the story. Thank you!

[tamisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow for me, but ending up being a great read and I am so glad that I continued on and read it through. Once I allowed myself to submerge fully into the reading I fell in love with Clover Bay and the characters within this story. Jody has had a rough go and doesn't believe she is capable of doing anything without messing it up. When Molly (the grandma) needs help in her café, Jody gets sent instead of her sister and she starts to discover (with some assistance) that maybe she isn't as big of a screw up as she always believed she was. Adam has been in Clover Bay all of his life and hasn't left the small town in quite some time. He prefers the townies over the tourists and isn't usually one to let his guard down. When Jody arrives, things start to change for him too. I love the characters here - they're all so relatable and the story itself reminds you that anything is possible and that love is one of the most powerful things in the universe. I haven't yet read anything else by this author yet, but after this I will be sure to read through as many as I can.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks

The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks is a romance story thst will have you turning the pages till the end I truly enjoyed reading this book. I found myself lost in the pages and couldn’t put it down. I’ve read other books by this author but I must say this one is definitely at the top of my favorites list. This is a story about Adam and Jody. She’s not the most reliable person and cant keep a job. Her grandmother has a accident and she finds herself in a situation where she kinda volunteers to help out . Adam didn’t want to like her he thought she was way to high man but he found out he was wrong. Can these two have a relationship together? Can this small town help mend two hearts? Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks. I love Danielle Jacks books but this one was really good. Once I started I had trouble putting it down. Its the story of Jody who has gone home after her Grandma (Gran) has a wreck to run her seaside cafe. Jody has had so many jobs in her life so when she gets fired at her latest job she sees it as the perfect opportunity to go home and take of Gran. No one has ever been able to really rely on Jody but she is determined to prove them wrong. Jody thinks things are going to be all nice and quiet but when Adam walks in Jody is smitten. Adam has no desire for a relationship and sees Jody as too high and might for him but as he gets to know her he realizes there is more to her than meets the eye. Will Adam fall for Jody as quickly as she has fallen for him. Read The Heart of Baker's Bay to find out!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of Baker's Bay was the first book I read by Danielle Jacks and I loved it. Its a really cute, clean romance book and I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great, with wonderful realistic personalities, and the chemistry between them is entertaining. The supporting characters are well written too, not just the main two. Jody is stubborn and full of spunk and Adam is like a grumpy old man, but with good reason. The town of Clover Bay sounds wonderful, on the top of a hill, secluded from the rest of the world, but in reality, only a couple hours outside of the city. This book had my emotions on a roller coaster, many times laughing, sometimes in near tears, and then a good happy ending. I highly recommend it, and look forward to reading more by Jacks.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from Author Danielle Jacks!! Nothing like a story being totally engrossed in and never wanting it to end. The story of Jody, whom cannot keep a job nor has very good experiences when it comes to keeping a job. When she goes to Clover Bay to help at her Gran's cafe after her Gran's accident, Jody learns so much more. Baking, helping to run a business and new friendships come along. We meet Adam, he is rough around the edges. I totally loved Adam's character. First impressions when Adam meets Jody, he though she was "high maintenance". You find out Adam falls for Jody and wants her to believe in herself when no one else can. Jody sees herself as a "mess up". New friendships, love and loss .... I just loved loved loved this book. So happy for a great epilogue as well.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart of Baker’s Bay by Danielle Jacks is a quick and romantic story that I found to be sweet and heartwarming. I thought Jody and Adam were so well suited for each other. They each had their own pasts and experiences that made then slightly reluctant but once they got past the reticence their connection was great.
This isn’t my first book by this author and I always enjoy her stories. They are easy to read with great characters and great storylines. I don’t hesitate to pick up one of her books because I know it will be worth the read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to more of her work.

[Nakyshia Leger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. If you are looking for a heart warming, emotion tugging story, look no further than The Heart of Baker Bay. Danielle Jacks created a magical place in Clover Bay with descriptions so detailed, I could picture every scene clearly in my head. There are times in our lives where we don’t know we need someone until the universe throws them at us, and that is a lot like Adam and Jody. Both of the characters needed to do some growing in their own way, but couldn’t do it without leaning on one another. This book would make a great feel-good, Romantic Comedy movie!

[Tracy Jenks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It’s a sweet, feel-good story with characters you will root for. There’s romance but not a lot of steam. It was nice to read something clean! I found both Adam and Jody, the main characters, to be relatable and I liked the story being told from both points of view. This was an easy read for those who want to escape from real life for a bit but not have to follow complicated twists and turns. The author described the little town well enough that I wouldn’t mind visiting the seaside village myself.

[Amber Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart!

From what I can recall this is my first book by Danielle Jacks and it has me wondering why. While I tend to read 'spicy' romance books this book hit home with the realness that it portrayed. Jody is, as she feels, the family screw up. Honestly, she is a bit of a hot mess, but when her grandmother gets hurt she goes to her. There enters Adam. He is yummy. Their story held me captivated and I wasn't mad about it. It is worth a read if you want a relatable love story.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by this author. I enjoyed being pulled into this story by the characters. This is a well written story that I found to be engaging and fast paced. This is a romance story that has characters that pop off the pages and into your heart. They are relatable and just made the story entertaining to read. Jody has come to a new town to help her grandmother but she is not very reliable. Adam wants so much to not like Jody but he finds that he can’t help himself. What will fate have in store for them? Could it have a happy ending? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens to these two characters.

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart Of Baker Bay is a sweet and romantic story. It's a clean romance set in a picturesque Bay, that I love the sound of.
Jody and Adam are two lost souls, but together they have a beautiful connection that you watch unfold throughout the book.
If you're a lover of contemporary then this is a book for you.

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this book! This is the perfect, sweet (in more ways than one!) of a girl who doesn't know where her future lies, and a boy who thought he knew what he wanted until she swept into his life.

Watching the two characters progress in this book was a dream, and there is some good humour scattered throughout too!

[Trish Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick, sweet read. It did take a little bit to get into but once I did, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the development of how Adam’s walls were built due to having his heart broken by an outsider yet Jody, an outsider, helped tear them down. Jody’s struggle with confidence is understandable especially with having the type of relationship she had with her older sister. I would definitely read more books by this author.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jody not a one for settle but finds herself in trun when she needs to be there and do things for the family. A wildfire at best can she do this. The interaction are slow and it builds up through the story which is refreshing to see.
Adam he's not what I liked at frist
His character grew on me though. This is what I noticed through this book people grow in you just like life.

[M.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning. This book will make you hungry!!!

Reading about a baker isn't the best thing when you're trying to cut down on snacks, but I loved this story.
The dynamics between the two main characters was wonderful and I was completely rooting for them.
Definite recommend.

[Karyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart Of Baker Bay is a great contemporary romance novel by Danielle Jacks. I have previously read a couple of her books and thoroughly enjoyed them so was looking forward to this one. I’m really glad I chose to read this book as I think this is my favourite of her books that I’ve read so far.
I totally loved Jody as a character. She feels like the black sheep of the family and for once wants to prove that she can make a go of something.
Adam is one of the nicest, sweetest characters that I have read in a long time. I’d love an Adam of my own. He has his own demons to live with that keep him living in the small quiet town of Clover Bay but he has a heart of gold and when he gets to know the real Jody, he wants nothing but the best for her.
I loved Jody and Adam’s story. They seemed like complete opposite when they first met but as time progressed you realise that they are actually very similar in many ways.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it to others.

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story of Jody starting as a irresponsible brat who gradually finds that she is not the failure she believes herself to be. I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review

[Rebecca Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet story about growing up and finding yourself where and when you least expect it. Jody is an ‘outsider’ helping her grandmother run her cafe while she recovers and Adam is a local that doesn’t mix with outsiders. Until Jody gets under his tough exterior and helps him heal while he helps her find her confidence.
Loved this sweet and beautifully written story.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The characters are brilliant.
Jody and her life is a mess. The author has her floating around life. Flitting from one job to the next being fired for the disastrous mayhem she leaves behind. Because of this she lives virtually rent free with her sister. Her family all treat like a menice to society. Until her gran has a accident and needs help in her cafe miles away from the cushy life. A call for help from a concerned villager asking her sister to go help changes everything.

I love Adam character he is sweet lol. When he finally gets the help he had been asking for arrives he is shocked to find its not who he asked for.
He has to suck it up tho as he know Molly needs someone.
Things go from bad to worse when the outsider starts to get under his skin and he aint sure to deal with it.

The pair find common ground in they both want to help the one person who binds them together and its wonderful to watch there connection grow.
This is a proper heartwarming story of to young loves that push through there demons to take what they want from life.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet heart warming maybe sentimental read.

I gave this book 5 stars the overall read was fantastic it kept me entertained from page one. It had everything i could want from a well written romance story.

[Mandy Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

The Heart of Baker’s Bay by Danielle Jacks

This isn't the first book I've read by Jacks. Each book seems to get better. The more I read the more I fall in love with the author. I highly recommend you read any of her books.

Jody has gotten fired from another job. Now her sister is mad at her because she can't keep a job. Her grandmother is now hurt and her sister can't make it down to help. Going down herself might be what's best for everyone. The quote I chose for Jody is: “Don’t call me that, you’re not my mother. I was on a trial. The probation period has come to an end which means I’m free to go. I didn’t do anything."

Adam has always kept his head down when it comes to new people in town. But when Mrs. Evans needs help, he's there to help out. He keeps calling Hannah hoping to get her to come down, but he wasn't expecting Jody to be the one to show up. The quote I chose for Adam is: “I need to get a move on if I want to finish my round before teatime. I’ll check in with you tomorrow morning unless you need anything else.”

Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning. Jody can't hold down a job, is unfocused and lacks drive - as her family keeps reminding her. Once again she is unemployed, and when her grandma needs someone to help she's reluctant to go, thinking she'll only mess it up as usual. However, once away from her family she has the chance to thrive.
Adam had spent his whole life in Clover Bay and has no intentions of ever leaving. He isn't sure what to make of Jody, but he's sure nothing can happen as she isn't staying for long.
As Jody and Adam strike up a friendship, they start to push each others self imposed boundaries, urging and supporting the other to try something new and live a little differently.
I loved how these two helped each other out and really supported each other. Adam was a total sweetheart, always there to help and support anyone who needed him. Leaving her family was the best thing for Jody as I don't think she realised how much they influenced her work attitude.
I really enjoyed the ending, it was perfect for these two and the epilogue was so sweet.

[Robin Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart of Baker’s Bay by Danielle Jacks

When I first started reading this I wasn't sure I was going like Jody but I quickly fell in love with her, I wasn't the only one but I think I was quicker to admit it.

My Heart hurt for Adam and I understood her reluctance in even talking with Jody, but he wouldn't allow that get in the way of helping Jody and the Cafe.


I loved Kayleigh and Sarah as supporting characters.   Every girl needs a beat friend and Jody is lucky enough to have both of these special ladies.

It was an enjoyable read and was a little sad when it was over. 

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of Baker’s Bay by Danielle Jacks a magical five-star read. I simply adored this story both Adam and Jody as well as a whole host of other characters make this story into one that you will want to be whisked away to the heart of the story. It did start a little slowly, but then suddenly I was pulled in and that was it, I couldn’t stop reading. Jody and Adam both grow as you read, and this is just simply a great story.

[Kellie reads all the time · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of Baker Bay by Danielle Jacks was a really super sweet, easy to read, bring to the beach (or back patio) book!! I loved every minute. The main characters, Jody and Adam, start out as enemies, then turn into friends and then va-va-voom!! At first, Jody was not my favorite, but then, I realized that deep down, we all have a little Jody in us. I loved this and I'm looking forward to more books from Danielle Jacks in the future!!!

[Laura ( Latteandbookz ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely story about Jody and how she’s not sure what to do next with her life. Then one day her grandma has an accident and needs help with her café. While working she meets a sweetheart named Adam. He’s not one to take to “outsiders” when they come around, but will Jody be able to change his mind?

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read but very entertaining. I found myself drifting into the story. I was smiling and laughing along with the characters. Jacks really did an amazing job making this book relatable. I highly recommend it.