Baking Promises

Saddleback Ridge #7

by Milan Watson

When her dreams go up in flames, Bobby didn’t expect missing treasures to be found.

Having her own bakery is a dream Bobby has built on for years. When Decadent Delights goes up in flames right before her eyes, it’s the closest thing to heartbreak Bobby’s ever experienced. Not evening finding gold bars in the wreckage can ease the disaster her life has become. The first item on her to-do list – hire a contractor to rebuild her dream.

It's a good thing Jack Archer has a little background in construction, because a resume with ex-cop and private investigator wouldn’t have landed him the job to rebuild the bakery. Although his attraction to Bobby is real, his intentions on coming to Saddleback Ridge aren’t. Jack has been hired by a client to find the rest of the gold because what Bobby found was only a drop in the bucket.

Although Bobby is focused on rebuilding her bakery, the handsome contractor keeps distracting her. Jack Archer is handsome, sexy and he wears a toolbelt. But Bobby doesn’t know Jack’s secret, and this time there’s her heart and her dream on the line.

Will Bobby find love or betrayal this summer? Can Jack find the missing gold and keep the girl?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2021

Reviews

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in Saddleback Ridge and can be read as a standalone. This Bobby's story and it's a really sweet love story with some suspense and drama. Her dreams are crushed when her beloved bakery goes up in flames. Finding gold bars in the rubbish leads to uncovering a century old story. Jack is a PI who's sent to find the rest of the gold but proves to be handy with tools. His romance with Bobby blooms even it it began with some secrets. A cute book that was a great read that you will enjoy. I read an arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore any book from Saddleback ridge and this latest addition gives us Bobby’s story. Met in previous books Bobby runs her bakery Decadent Delights which unfortunately burns to the ground. All her friends and family stand and come together to aid Bobby in her time of need and then enters Jack our PI / contractor. Mysterious, secretive and oh so handsome, is he too good to be true?? Full of drama and romance and a past to find answers to, this is a fantastic addition to this series that I love!

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking Promises

This was a great book in this series on Saddleback Ridge. Bobby a young woman who owned the bakery in Saddleback Ridge had bought a cooler on Amazon only to have it short out and start a fire that burned the bakery to the ground. In the rebuilding she found gold bars and from there the mystery continues. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Pat Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ebook

He comes to town looking for gold in her burned out bakery. He’s a PI masquerading as a contractor to hunt for the gold. But he finds the love of his life, the true treasure. It’s not easy as she isn’t happy when she discovers he lied to her but she forgives him.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really brings life in a small town into focus. When Bobby’s bakery burns down, her community, Saddleback Ridge, rallies around her to offer support. When gold is found in the debris of her bakery, it doesn’t take long for the community to find out or to spread the news. When PI Jack happens upon an online news article proclaiming Bobby’s extraordinary find, he immediately contacts a client who hired him to find a large cache of gold belonging to his ancestors. There is a lot more gold to be found and Jack immediately decides to go to Saddleback Ridge to see if he can find the rest. With a working knowledge of construction thanks to his father’s business, Jack contacts Bobby to bid on the reconstruction contract. Using his Dad’s references and suggesting he is thinking of relocating, Jack is able to show up to view the bakery and meet Bobby. With all the good contractors in the area already busy or under contract for the foreseeable future, Bobby hires Jack to rebuild and restore her beloved bakery. He is even vetted by the townspeople who aren’t afraid to ask questions or stop by to see just what he is doing. Having to gut the building to do rewiring and replace damaged walls, Jack will get a chance to search for the rest of the gold. Before too much time has passed, he finds himself smitten by the beautiful, feisty and hardworking baker that the townspeople obviously adore. Bobby is very attracted to her handsome and brawny contractor and when a texting error brings him to her door, she daringly accepts his invitation to dinner. This marks the easy slide into deeper feelings for each other, and wanting a more intimate relationship. With his temporary stay in town and his deceit looming, how can they possibly have a future together? Jack discovers the true treasure, but is it too late to claim Bobby’s heart?

This book brings back many of the fascinating characters from previous books in this series. It is always wonderful to visit with them again. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the seventh book in the Saddleback Ridge Series with everyone of them being a terrific read on their own. Each has been a standalone story, but they do build on each other making a bigger picture. This particular book was about Bobbie Anderson the owner of the town bakery, "Decadent Delights". The bakery burned one night due to faulty electrical wiring, Bobbie was having to start almost from the ground up again. Her dad the local hardware store owner had contacted her cousin, Dalton from Colorado Springs to help them decide what needed to be replaced and so forth. In the process Dalton knocked a wall down finding ten gold bars marked C 1867. The turned the bars over to the sheriff going on about their business. The local report just had to report it in the paper with Bobby's picture, which brought to town a PI, Jack Archer that had been hired to find 40 bars of gold marked C 1867. He changed his identity coming to town as a contractor, and he got the job of rebuilding Bobby's bakery. Jack came looking for the gold for his client. There was a $3 million reward if he could find it. He had worked construction with his father and brothers before becoming a cop and later a PI. The only problem was he was about to finished with the bakery and he had fell for Bobby. Bobby the type of woman that was a friend to everyone, always the first one there to help in any situation, known for marching to her own tune, and no time for relationships. Jack discovered the moment he met Bobby she was different than any woman that he had ever met before. She could take care of herself yet everyone in the whole town protected her too. They could not help themselves but be drawn to each other. They really did try to fight it, but they failed. Then it all went wildly wrong. Bobby had built her business from the ground up once, she could do it again. A wonderful story of a strongly independent woman that takes nothing from no one. She stands on her own two feet moving forward, always thinking ahead, but she does have a loving heart.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmmmm…. Jack Archer. You know what they say about first impressions, well, wonder what you’ll think about Jack? Can you trust a lying, scheming man who wants a three million dollar payout? Jack certainly is not who or what he pretends to be….. but can you trust him? Or putting it correctly, can Bobby trust him? After all, her life’s work is on the line... and maybe more than that.

See, Bobby’s lifeline was her bakery and due to trying to cut corners when buying a new refrigerator, the whole thing blew up. That bargain fridge had faulty wiring and that’s all it took for a spark to lite a flame which spread like wildfire.

Now Bobby has nothing. Well, that’s not exactly true. The fire was so bad that walls had to be removed, walls that were from way back in the 1800s. And guess what was hidden underneath and in-between those walls? Yep, gold bars. Sooooo, now you know a little something about Jack Archer and his three million dollar payout. He’s not who he says he is. He’s an ex cop turned PI and is hot on the trail to discover if this is the gold that went missing in 1867.

So, what will this end up costing Bobby? How about Jack? Will he be the betrayer or the hero? Yes, this is a standalone book, but those of us who have grown up in Saddleback Ridge know that not everyone is lovable. Some you downright despise. Some you love and some you hate to love, but they can grow on you. So just how will Jack Archer fit in …. ?You’ll make up your own mind as you turn the pages.

… And gold wasn’t the only precious thing hidden there. In-between the bricks and mortar were love letters …. you know, there are some things that money can’t buy…. enjoy!

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions. I hope you enjoy going back to Saddleback Ridge. I know I did.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Jersey boy finds a treasure gal in Colorado💕

I liked the way author Milan Watson linked a fictional mystery from Colorado's frontier past to the present story about Saddleback Ridge's beloved Bobby and her bakery. The now part of the book starts with an action-packed blaze (nice only for the reader) and then brings in East Coast p.i. Jack, prince of a hidden agenda and faked credentials.

The couple: Bobby is a town favorite so lots of the characters from the previous books in the series come in for short blasts to commiserate, protect and support the woman they rely on for a good cup of coffee and delectable desserts. (No worries: the book is easily read as a standalone) Bobby's challenged by the problems at the bakery but otherwise a stranger to angst and hard knocks. Jack I liked until he almost forgets the woman he supposedly loves exists during a Eureka! moment towards the end. That scene provided alot of drama but just seemed out of whack with Jack's purported priorities?!

Overall the story has good drama, a believable romance, a nice array of supporting characters (loved Jack's quarreling siblings and his father's sense of humor), the "leave lots to the imagination" love scenes and the feel-good finale. I've read every book in the Saddleback Ridge series and though it's not my favorite this book was a very good, easy read for lovers of small-town romance.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Sugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milan Watson has a knack for writing about life out west. Her collection of books in her Colorado Crazy series was terrific and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every book in the Saddleback Ridge series as well. "Baking Promises" starts out a little differently. The prologue is set in 1867. When I first began reading, I assumed Watson was going to give us some family background on one of the story's characters. She did, but she also gave us a whole lot more. She really set the stage for a fun, entertaining story.
Bobby Anderson has been a recurring character in the Saddleback Ridge books. She is the owner of the town's bakery and best friends with Logan Caldwell. She is an independent woman and beloved by the town. She grew up in Saddleback Ridge and therefore has known everyone in town her whole life. I wondered if she would eventually get her own story and if so, who would Watson create as her love interest? Bringing in an outsider by means of the prologue was fabulous idea! Enter Jack Archer. He may have been a policeman and a successful private investigator, but he is no match for the people of Saddleback Ridge! I love the way Watson has the entire town rally around Bobby in her time of need. Those are the kinds of towns and townfolk that make romance stories so much fun!
I would highly recommend this book and the entire Saddleback Ridge series!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a handsome contractor looking like he came straight off a movie set volunteered to do Bobby's rebuild under budget and within what the insurance payoff would cover it was an easy decision. But if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. There was a catch - a big one. Jack wasn't really a contractor at all, he was a PI working for another client and needed access to her facility. How far is he willing to go for that big payout?

The chemistry and sizzle is off the charts on this one - Bobby is a naughty tease! but stays PG-13 with fade to black scenes. There were a few laugh out loud misunderstandings in this one and lots of sweet moments. It was fun watching Bobby and Jack grow and develop through the story as well as the way the town supported Bobby.

Bobby finally got her story! If you are a fan of Saddleback Ridge you will be familiar with the feisty red head that runs Decadent Delights, the bakery in town that also happens to have the only good coffee. Lots of cameos for fans, but written in a way that this can still be read enjoyably as a standalone.

[Spokie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Mrs Watson's latest book in the Saddleback Ridge series, she brought in much more tension and mystery than in the other stories in this series. The tension between Bobby and Jack is well portrayed and the rendering of their inner dialogues is such that the reader feels sympathetic to the characters and it also gives a good insight into their respective actions and decisions. The sexual attraction leads as can be expected to some heated action, but with her usual aplomb the authoress leaves it to the reader's imagination as to how things play out between Jack and Bobby. This is an endearing trait of Mrs Watson's books - Lots of kissing and touching, but nothing too graphic and thus ensuring that all can enjoy her stories. I found the coming together of almost the whole town in support of Bobby a bit strange, but then I live on another continent in another hemisphere of the world.

[Aurélie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Bobby’s bakery Decadent Delights went up in flames, she found gold in one of the walls. Being more interested in how to get her bakery running again, she gives the gold to the sheriff and looks for a contractor to rebuild. What she does not know is that the contractor she employs is a PI looking for even more gold…
Personally, I don’t really get the main characters and their willingness to play with their feelings. However, I enjoyed how the town came together to protect Bobby after they learned Jack had not been truthful. I also really liked Jack realizing that his hunt for more money is not what the true meaning of his life should be, that something much more valuable than an overly filled bank account is awaiting.
Enjoy discovering how Bobby and Jack got to know each other and if the gold is a blessing or a curse.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[LeMiliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bobby's dream for her bakery was coming true that is until she bought a faulty appliance which caused a fire, now everything gone, but when they knocked down the old walls which were originally built in the 1800's they found a hidden treasure in the form of gold bars.

Enter Jack Archer he’s not who he pretends to be, he's an ex-cop now working as a private investigator out to discover if the gold that went missing in 1867is the gold found at the bakery.

Will Jack Archer help or hinder Bobby? How will he fit in in Saddleback Ridge? Oh and I almost forgot for the romantics here the gold wasn’t the only treasure hidden as within the brisk and mortar making up the walls were some special love letters.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this new book in the Saddleback Ridge series. It was fun. It was different. It was exciting and very romantic. I wondered how the prologue would relate to the story and I was so surprised when I found out. I also liked how I found that out. The characters of Bobby, the owner and baker at Decadent Delights and Jack, a private investigator hired to check out the bakery were delightful. I enjoyed that the bakery was not the only thing that caught fire and put on the back burner to smoulder. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bobby saved every cent she made to start up Decadent Delights, then a cheap electrical appliance starts a devastating fire. Unable to find a contractor to do the work, she agrees that Jack do the work. He has an ulterior motive, he's really a private investigator looking for the remains of the gold found in her shop, for a client.
He doesn't imagine that he'd fall in love with Bobby, and she falls for him, until she hears the truth, then she doesn't trust him.
Can he make amends?

A great read from Milan.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking Promises by Milan Watson is an exciting romance where Bobby and Jack are looking for lost gold. The big question is will they ever find it and then a bigger question who will get to keep it. Bobby owned a bakery where they thought the gold might be hidden but she could not find it anywhere. Jack comes to help her remodel the bakery. Working together Bobby and Jack get closer and closer and she is sure she is falling in love. The inevitable happens. Will Bobby be able to move on with her life without Jack? Read Baking Promises to answer these questions. I rated it five stars.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting love story between Bobby and Jack in Saddleback Ridge that started with Decadent Delights, Bobby's bakery going up in flames. I really enjoyed the creative twist of finding 40 bars of gold that had been hid in the walls in 1867 and were found by Bobby during the demolition and rebuilding of the bakery. I loved the way the whole town came to support Bobby when she found out that Jack had deceived her. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy a good clean romance. I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Bobby and Jack. The author does a fantastic job developing the story starting in 1867 moving to present day and pulled me in right from the start. She gives them a sizzling hot chemistry but also throws in some drama along the way. The supporting characters play a huge part in bringing the story around. She moves it fluidly with her descriptive and detailed scenes and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Treasure
Bobby is devastated when her bakery burns down but the hunky contractor who turns up to rebuild it, certainly improves her mood. Unfortunately she doesn’t know he is there under false pretenses until after she has lost her heart to him. A good yarn which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Saddle Back Ridge story. Bobby is devastated when her bakery burns. Jack reads the newspaper story about her finding the gold bars. Jack lies when he comes to rebuild, but is secretly looking for the rest of the gold. Bobby and Jack are interesting characters that hold your interest. I really enjoyed reading this one.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Bobby gets her happy ending. She has always been the happy girl in town who has been a good friend to everyone. She is vibrant and fun to be around. Jack is a stranger who comes into town with an agenda. These stories are lovely because of the simplicity of the setting and the ability to be able to easily relate to the characters. They are sweet and easy to like because they stick together and look out for each other. Just a gorgeous story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. The characters were very likable and you couldn’t help but become involved. You knew trouble was coming when certain things happened in the story but it really added to the intrigue. I would highly recommend this book. It has it all; laugh out loud moments, moments of aggravation, heart wrenching moments, and of course a HEA! This was a quick read for me and when it is over I was so upset because I wanted more.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise.

Okay, we get lots of stories about bakery owners. But this one then diverges a bit. It adds in gold bars and an undercover contractor looking for more gold.

Bobby needs a contractor to repair her bakery, it just so happens to be Jack, who’s there looking for the rest of the gold bars.




Borrowed on KU.

[John Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting; entertaining; page-turner; romantic; well crafted plot - this latest release from the author matches all of these descriptions, probably more than I can think of at the moment

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome combination of a little bit old west and a lot of modern romance. The characters are flawed and realistic. They draw you into the story and it’s a page turner. There’s drama, intrigue, suspense and mystery. Wonderful storyline.

[Connie Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bakers Delite

This has to be, by far, one of the best books I’ve read so far. I loved this amazing story of a baker, a contractor and gold from a century ago. I highly recommend this book by this Author Milan Watson. I am so glad I found this Author to read. She has a new fan.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read

A discovery of gold bars after a tragic fire creates a surprising bond between two people not remotely interested in love. What starts out in deceit may end up berths greatest love story for these characters.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This one about Jack and Bobby and how he became her contractor after a fire burned down her bakery and the secret that was discovered. Another great small town read and a series to get.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good well written story with these two working on building her bakery after it’s gone and finding out things that gives them reason to pause and see if what they want is each other. I volunteered to read this arc for my honest opinion

[Suzanne Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this captivating tale of Bobby and Jack's romance, which is full of many twists and turns. I recommend it as a book well worth getting to read. This is my honest opinion.