Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons

by Amey Zeigler

Baking enthusiast Livi Hanson never misses Jean-Marc’s online videos. Hoping to save money for pastry school, she agrees to nanny over Christmas break in Switzerland for generous overtime pay.

To expand his audience, pastry chef and internet star Jean-Marc Dobrinsky scores a contract for a network TV slot with one caveat: he needs an attractive co-host who equals him in the kitchen.

When she’s invited to bake with Jean-Marc, Livi must prove she has the culinary chops, and Jean-Marc must put aside his pride. Can they rise to the challenge, or will it flop?

Genres: Romance

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2021

About the author

Amey Zeigler is an award-winning author of romantic comedies and mysteries. Her laugh-out-loud Rom-Com, The Swiss Mishap, won third place in the OCCRWA's Book Buyer's Best for Contemporary Romance. Her ten years of theater training in college and high school inspired her to narrate her own books. She spins stories with humor, charm, and heart, often with a dash of action and adventure. When she's not writing, she is teasing her three kids, globe-trotting with her husband (for book research of course!), or trying new things.
Follow her adventures on Instagram @ameyzeigler.

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livi loves to bake and never misses pastry chef Jean-Marc’s online videos. When she gets the opportunity to share the spotlight with him on a network tv show, will she shine like meringue or deflate like overwhipped egg whites? The highlight of each week for Livi is to bake along with internet sensation Chef Jean-Marc online. She works full-time as a nanny but she’s saving money to go to culinary school. She agrees to nanny over Christmas for the money, not realizing she’s about to meet Jean-Marc and get the opportunity to do what she loves most: bake. Working with Jean-Marc is challenging but if she’s serious about her baking dreams, she must let her culinary talents shine. Is she the co-host he needs, both on-screen and off?

Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons is a sweet romance I thoroughly enjoyed. As a baker myself, I connected with both Livi and Jean-Marc. Sometimes, in order to reach your dreams, you need to look for inspiration in unknown places. I loved Livi as a heroine. I found her character to be selfless, sweet, and a bit shy. It took me a while to warm up to Jean-Marc. He’s very realistic as far as a pastry chef in the culinary world. It was fun to watch this couple figure things out. Amey Zeigler has a beautiful writing talent, especially when it comes to sweet romance. Her writing reminds me of classic romance from years gone by. There are some very valuable life lessons in Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons as well as an uplifting romance. If you’re looking for a sweet holiday romance set abroad, pick up Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons. A perfect book to curl up to this holiday season. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Delectable and enticing, “Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons” is a light and merry Christmas tale, bringing the magic of Switzerland to life.

Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He was still a jerk. Paying for her snacks didn't absolve him of guilt. She hope she'd never see him again"

"He hoped he never would see her again"

Thank you to The Wild Rose Press and the author for reaching out to me a sharing this book Through bookstagrammers.com!
Are you looking for something to get you into the right Christmas vibe?
Maybe something made with a bit of romance flavour and cooking recipes? Then this is the book for you!
"Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons" has been an amazing , funny story about completely changing your life, love and Christmas ... and a lot of cooking to do to!
It made me really curious about what a lot of the ingredients and recipes shared in the story taste like !
I really needed a book like this ... easy to get into and short enough to let me into the whole familiar holiday atmosphere with a fluffy happy ending!
Check this out if you're not feeling Christmasy enough and I assure you, after reading this, you will!

"You will fight. You will have disagreements. And you will not always be your best ... You have just mis-tempered your relationship"

"Sounds like a chocolate analogy ... I love a good baking comparison."

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every delicious thing I hoped for

This sweet romance was everything I had hoped for when I read the blurb.

Christmas in Europe...? Who wouldn't like that.
Lots of chocolate and decadent desserts...? My tongue is watering.
A hunky man who knows his way around the kitchen...? I gotta get ne one of those!

Jean-Marc and Livi both share a passion for baking dessert pastries. But they approach it from different angles; he with technical precision, and she with artistic flair.

Livi is a strong-minded American woman who won't put up with Jean-Marc's European arrogance, even if he is the professional whose online show she studied. His thunder-struck speechlessness when she doesn't automatically defer to his 'expertise' was priceless. As he learns to respect her talented instincts and ability to go outside the strict recipe restrictions, you can watch the arrogance melt.

Livi has no problem standing up to the brilliant baker, but enforcing limits on the demands of her employer and her younger sister...? Not so much. Seeing her learn that standing up for yourself and disagreeing with someone does not need to destroy a relationship was empowering. I also loved the reminder that when one door closes, a window opens.

Enjoy this sweet treat from Amey Ziegler; it is more than worth your time.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change can be frightening, but it can also be the best thing to ever happen to someone.

Livi’s character development was delightful. When I first met her, she was the sort of person who would bend over backwards to help others regardless of how difficult it made her own life. Her generosity and compassion were admirable, but I yearned for her to learn how to set appropriate boundaries and take better care of her own needs, too. It was wonderful to see how she grew and changed throughout this novella.

Some of the most memorable scenes in my opinion were the ones that showed the characters making the best of disappointing circumstances. For example, Livi found ways to celebrate her favorite Christmas traditions in an unfamiliar country where it wasn’t always possible to recreate everything exactly how she’d like. Sometimes she had to make substitutions or even try new things altogether. Having such a sensible approach to the holiday season goes a long way in making it special even if one can’t celebrate with the people they miss or eat exactly the same foods they would normally enjoy.

I loved seeing how the romantic storyline unfolded, especially since Jean-Marc had such a strong and opinionated personality. His biggest strengths were often Livi’s biggest weaknesses and vice versa. This led to a few personality clashes between them in the beginning, but I could see each side of their conflicts so well that I couldn’t pick between them. Both of these characters made good points, and it was evident from the beginning that they could learn a lot from each other.

Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons was an immensely satisfying Christmas romance novel that I can’t recommend highly enough.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livi is working in Boston as a Nanny to Alice and Henry. She ends up having to go to Switzerland and watching the kids but she'll be compensated. Livi is paying for her sisters education, rent and living expenses and she's put her life on hold as she's always wanted to be a pastry chef. She loves to bake and watches Jean-Marc on his pastry videos.
Jean-Marc is a pastry chef and he's been just been offered a TV slot but the one condition of the contract is to find a partner. Jean-Marc is a temperamental, egotistical, and hard to work with. He meets Livi at her cousin's engagement party. Jean-Marc askes her how she likes the pastries and she ends up telling him what she thinks. They end up having a baking contest and he thinks that she cheats on her ingredients and she says that he has no "creative flare." I love the slow burn of their relationship and how they can agree to disagree. Lovely Christmas Story. This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MookNana · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an internet-famous pastry chef gets his big break to produce his own show, there's only one catch--he needs a co-star. Unfortunately none of his previous partners have lasted and his domineering attitude has left few willing to work with him. It may be just his luck he meets an amateur fan with creative ideas and opinions of her own, but partnerships don't always follow a recipe!

This is a short, enjoyable story that tackles some real issues. Both characters need to grow and change and it's satisfying to watch them do it. It's also a fun romp through the world of pastry baking--just try to read this and not come out craving a sweet treat! Pick this up for a light, clean tale full of hope and holiday spirit!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Partnering With the Chef . . .

Livi Hanson always watches Jean-Marc's online videos. One day she hopes she will have enough money to attend pastry school and pursue her dream. When she is asked to work as nanny over Christmas break in Switzerland for extra pay, she agrees.

Pastry chef Jean-Marc Dobrinsky obtains a contract for a network TV slot, but there is one condition attached. The network wants him to work with a co-host who can work alongside him in the kitchen. Because Livi has a different approach to her baking, when she agrees to partners with Jean-Marc, she has to prove herself. He is used to giving orders and is not prepared for the strong young woman who won’t back down. Can they truly work together? Will he give her a chance to demonstrate that her approach also is effective, which can make them an effective team?

[Sydney Winward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I loved the most about this book (and I loved everything about it) was how well Amey Zeigler handled the romance. My favorite romances are ones that burn slow and steady, with chemistry that has you cheering the characters on throughout the story. The author did an amazing job at hooking the reader and keeping them glued to the story from the romance to the fun baking to the exciting setting.

This was my first introduction to Amey Zeigler's books, but I adored the story so much that I look forward to discovering more of the author's works. Who doesn't love a good baking story?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons is part of the Christmas Cookies series.
This is a short novella that has so much in it that you will want to pick it up and read it.
The romance and build up in this book is amazing. The author writes in a way that pulls you into the story and makes you want to turn the pages to see what is happening next.
The chemistry between Livi and Jean-Marc is there and feeling the romance budding between them is delicious!
This is the first book I have read by Amey Zeigler. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press, Inc for the copy of this book. This is my personal review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn and Katie have been friend since college and have each other back. Katie brother nick has been in their life and watching out for them. Autumn is in love with Nick but don't know how Katie will take it. She don't want to lose either one. Now she has to find away to have them both. She writes to Lana to asked for help and Lana like her post. She get a schedule of nick soccer game and goes to it. Nick is happy she has come and Katie is not there. They found out that they have the same feeling for each other and spend the night. Katie walk in on them now what? We and found out. It cute.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This book in the Christmas Cookies series is a short holiday romance about Jean-Marc and Livi. He is the stereotypical chef who is temperamental and arrogant. She has dreamed of becoming a pastry chef and has watched his videos. When these two meet the sparks fly. They both have very different ideas about creating edible masterpieces. He needs her though if he wants to realize his dreams. They actually bring out the best in each other and find themselves falling. I thought that the story was funny with some heat and sweetness in there also. Great characters

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was just what I needed during the holidays. Jean Marc and Livi were cute characters in the story. What I enjoyed was it was a novella. Sometimes you do not want a full holiday romance since there are so many out there and you do have a short amount of time to read them all while you are being festive.

I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their first meeting, he was rude. Their second meeting, she insulted his petit fours. Their third meeting... Well, you get the picture. I absolutely loved this book! Livi and Jean-Marc couldn't be more different. They manage to push each others' buttons, personally as well as professionally. It was a joy to see them grow, and move from frustrating acquaintances to friends and more. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She may just have the chance of a lifetime when she is asked to work with the chef she watches all the times. It may not be easy for them to work together but they must if it is all going to a success. Can they work together? How will it all go? See just where you are taken

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Livi and Jean-Marc’s story. I enjoyed this sweet romance filled with fun moments and endearing characters. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great romance by Amey! I loved The Swiss Mishap so I was happy to get a few more glimpses of Yves and Lainey, but Livi and Jean-Marc are just as adorable! I liked Livi’s character development throughout the story, she’s the kind of character that I root for, and honestly Jean-Marc had a good turn around as well; they both learned a lot from each other. My only disappointment was that there was no recipe at the end of the book this time around :(

[Annette Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet holiday romance

This was such a sweet, fun holiday story. I loved the relationship between the hero and heroine. Their play off each other is fun and believable. This book is a great way to celebrate the holiday season.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, short 'n sweet read.

Livi and Jean Marc were both good (though the key events of the story happen within few days and their relationship was built very fast).

Overall, a good Christmas read.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters!

The main characters were well fleshed out and seemed realistic. I loved the dialogue, too.
This was a quick read, but both main characters had a believable growth arc that lead to the satisfying start to their HEA.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livi is a Nanny of two young children, she has been supporting her younger sister since their mother died and she has a dream of going to a pastry school one day. Jean-Marc is a pastry chef in need of an onscreen, female partner if he wants to sign on for a network tv spot. I loved these two characters and I think the story would make a perfect Hallmark channel movie!! Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Amey Zeigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Livi and Jean-Marc's chemistry. And the Christmas market is my favorite scene. If you haven't read this yet, snuggle into a cozy blanket and curl up with this delightful tale.

[Sally Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was a fun and sweet read.