HEART OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES AND DREAMS by Wendy Kendall
Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Novella (98 pages),
5*****
Blurb: Liz buried her hopes three years ago when she buried her husband. Her dream to run her own bakery? Shelved, along with dreams of love. She hides behind a corporate desk, struggling for time with her young son and his grandmother, Violet.George is chef at the assisted living facility where Violet recovers from an accident. His adopted beagle, Phil is George’s only family, and a therapy dog for the residents. Violet plays matchmaker, plotting a cookie bake at the facility kitchen. Her plans put George’s job at risk. When tail-wagger Phil suddenly disappears, George is desperate to find him. The search leads George into a surprising twist of fate, and accidentally pulls Liz along with him. Together can they discover the heart of Christmas, and find the ribbons of love that run through it?
Thoughts: This is a really sweet holiday story about family and dreams. The characters—and their issues—are very realistic. Liz lost almost everything when her husband died three years ago. Everything except her son. But she buried herself in a corporate job, telling herself it is for both their sakes. She buries her dream of one day owning her own bakery. Unfortunately, the job takes her away from her son more than she’d like. But Matt likes spending time with his grandmother Violet at the home where she is recuperating. Plus, he gets to have fun with Phil, a therapy dog owned by the home’s chef, George.
George, a product of the foster system, has never had a real home. Phil is his family. But when Violet and Matt pull him into their circle, he discovers that family is what you make it.
I loved this story. If I had anything negative to say at all, it would be that it’s too short. I’d like to see the novella expanded into a full-length book. One where the cops find the SUV that caused the accident, and maybe where Violet and George open that bakery. That would definitely be a plus for me.
Recommendation: for a sweet story (and a good recipe!), pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for providing this ARC. I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
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