Sweets & Treats will soon open for business. Clara’s been working nonstop, but has never been happier. She and Noelle have settled into their new home and her romance with Kurt is thriving.
Maisie isn’t dealing quite as well with change. As she struggles to find her purpose after selling the bakery, helping Kurt and then Ian in the kitchen point the way to a happy future.
Just as life is looking its sunniest, a blizzard descends on Pinewood. When Noelle gets lost and Ian disappears trying to find her, Clara, Kurt, and Laura are thrown into chaos. Will a daring rescue bring new surprises?
Take shelter in the storm with the resourceful folks of Pinewood…
USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. Barbara is the bestselling author of the beloved Rosemont series; the acclaimed Guiding Emily series; a collection of murder mystery thrillers in her "Who's There?" collection; and her sweet Christmas novellas The Christmas Club (adapted for the Hallmark Channel in 2019), Paws & Pastries, and No Matter How Far.
She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking and gardening. Now that her novel The Christmas Club has been made into a Hallmark Channel movie, she is completely star-struck and thrilled to have her work on the screen.
Are you intrigued by big, showy weather events? I live in Arizona and if I'm safely indoors, I adore our monsoon storms. Growing up on the banks of Lake Erie, I was besotted with blizzards. Being snowed in--and missing school as a result--was one of my favorite things. There's nothing better than a snow day.
I've given in to this fascination with snow storms in Snowflakes, Cupcakes & Kittens--book 3 in my Paws & Pastries series. Everyone isn't tucked away inside, however, when a historic blizzard hits town.
Take shelter from the storm with the resourceful people of Pinewood as they tackle every challenge...
I have SO loved this novella series. I wish there were more published so I could keep reading. There is no drama, and the characters all get along well and care for one another. There is a found family aspect, and I adore the author‘s love for animals and cooking/baking, which comes thru wonderfully in these stories. I hope Ms. Hinske continues writing these stories!
Snowflakes, Cupcakes & Kittens is Book 3 in the Paws & Pastries Series by Barbara Hinske. If you love heartwarming stories set in small towns with great friends (who are like family), fur babies (who ARE family), and a sprinkling of drama you will love this new series!
Clara Conway has found the love of her life in Kurt Holbrook after leaving her cheating ex-husband and settling down in the small town of Townwood. Clara had planned to just pass through, but car trouble and fate landed her in Townwood where she met Josef, Maisie, Kurt and her new puppy Noelle.
Clara has always wanted to open a patisserie (a French pastry shop) after visiting one in France while in high school. Her dream is about to come true with her grand opening of Sweet and Treats scheduled on Valentine’s Day and afterwards a romantic dinner with Kurt! Sadly a blizzard is headed their way and everyone in Pinewood is trying to prepare just in case they are snowed in.
At home Ian (Clara’s young neighbor), heads over to take care of Noelle while everyone is in town preparing for the blizzard. Unfortunately, Noelle is nowhere to be found and Ian sets out to find her just as the blizzard is descending on Townwood.
Since I am not one to retell the story, or give spoilers, I will leave it there. As with all of Barbara Hinske’s books this newest one did not disappoint, I loved it as much as all her others. If you love small towns, furry friends, a bit of real-life drama, and a sprinkling of sweet romance you are going to love this one too!
This is the first Barbara Hinkse book I’ve ever read, and it was a quick, enjoyable read characterized by friendships, personal challenges, a budding romance, and a blizzard.
The stand-out character – for me - was Ian. He came across as a well-rounded, caring young man with a good head on his shoulders; a big heart; and a genuine love of animals.
I really liked Maisie teaching two males to cook, but also thought it was an inspired way to help her discover her new purpose in life and how she could still contribute to her community.
But as someone who grew up next door to a bakery, I was a tad disappointed that for a story so firmly centered around a bakery, the opportunities for mouth-watering sensory details were missed. I never caught a whiff of sugary vapors, or thick buttery fumes, or even the sickly sweet smell of cupcakes in the oven.
But Ian’s adventures in the snowstorm with Noelle and the kittens were wonderfully written!
And - BTW - I loved the chap from the shop next door who had health issues that required him to eat sweet treats in moderation.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
Best-selling author Barbara Hinske is releasing Snowflakes, Cupcakes, and Kittens (Book 3 in the Paws & Pastries Series), and it is a heartwarming visit to Pinewood! Hinske is back with her beloved characters in the town of Pinewood. Pinewood is full of people of all ages who care for each other and show it by deeds and not mere words. Hinske demonstrates this in three ways: 1) The townspeople support the opening of a new Bakery; 2) During a significant snowstorm that left tourists and others stranded, people opened their homes and an empty business and provided food and lodging for strangers; and 3) When a young boy and a dog become lost in the storm, volunteers work with the police to find them. Hinkse manages to throw in many other major plot twists as well and keeps your attention glued to each page. What I like best about this book are the strong family dynamics and the growing love relationship between two characters.
Book 3 is a delightful addition to the Paws & Pastries series. Clara is ready for the grand opening of her new business, Sweets and Treats, her relationship with Kurt is going great, she loves her new life in Pinewood, and the great friends she’s met.
Her partner in the business, Masie, is feeling a little out of sorts these days and is looking for something productive to do with her time to keep from going stir crazy. Ian, the son of Clara’s landlord, Laura, helps take care of Clara’s dog Noelle when needed.
When a blizzard hits Pinewood, Ian gets lost trying to find Noelle, who had escaped from Clara’s house and yard. Clara and her friends step forward to find them, and also to help others in need during the storm. A wonderful, heartwarming story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Clara is getting ready for the grand opening of her patisserie, but Maisie is feeling like she is being left out because everyone is concerned about her health and won’t let her do anything. Clara’s dog, Noelle, is busy digging her way out of the yard, which becomes a real problem for her pet-sitter, Ian, during a snow storm. As Maisie helps Kurt prepare a special Valentine meal for Clara and then helps Ian prepare a meal for his mom and great-grandmother, Maisie has an idea for her own venture. This is #3 in the Paws and Pastries series and I look forward to reading more about Clara and the friends who have become family to her.
Snowflakes, Cupcakes & Kittens continues Kurt and Clara’s story in book 3 of the Paws and Pastries series, is another hit by Barbara Hinske. Clara’s dream of opening Sweets and Treats is happening and her fur baby Noelle is right by her side! Her relationship with Kurt is terrific and her new found friends Joseph, Maisie, Laura, Ian, his new kitten Harry and Tabitha, all have become like family to her, are all an unexpected delight! Now an impending blizzard, lost boy and pet dog, will bring the community together once again, but will it be in time? I highly recommend this book! Heartwarming, captivating, delightful and an easy read! 5 stars!
I have just read a beautiful addition to a Barbara Hinske series. In Snowflakes, Cupcakes, and Kittens we get to reconnect with Clara and her puppy Noelle. (There is always a wonderful dog in one of Barbara's books.) Clara is busy opening her new shop and her neighbors in her new town of Pinewood are there to give her support. But a huge storm and an open door bring drama and fear into Clara's life. I especially like this book because as a retiree from a long career as a teacher I could relate to Maisie who is looking for a purpose in her life after selling her bakery to Clara. And as a grandmother of a young teenage boy, I loved young Ian who faced some challenges of his own.
This has been a delightful series for new beginnings,romance, and happy endings. I'm a cat person who truly loves other people's cute or ugly but smart dogs. So it was a fun surprise to find a new momma cat and three kittens enter the story. I had wondered about the kittens in the title. The hazardous adventure of becoming lost in the snow storm kept my attention, but discovering Ian's Boy Scout training kicking in led to even more appreciation for this sixth grader's keen awareness. I can hardly wait for the continuation of this series. MS Hinske left many teases for future books!
There is so much to love in Snowflakes, Cupcakes & Kittens: if you are a fan of small towns where residents support each other. I simply sat down with this well written book and enjoyed my time in Pinewood. Claea is nearly rady to open Sweets & Treats, she has a Valentine's Day date with Kurt and Maisie has an idea for life after selling the bakery. Then a surprise blizzard descends, Noelle gets lost and Ian spends the night trrying to find Noelle. The townspeople rally to look for Ian and Noelle. I just love these books! They reflect so much wisedom and love.
I don’t know who I love the most in this story. Ian is so mature and helpful. I totally understand why Maisie just wants to feel and be needed. The folks in this story truly love each other and will always care for one another. I loved the story line which shows you the love they have for each other. I really want some goodies from Sweets & Treats. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
This is a fun story for teens through adults. Life is progressing in town, with changes happening to the main characters. However, a huge snowstorm is descending on the town as one crisis after another develops for a group of friends and colleagues. Each pitches in as best they can. The storm helps to clarify life's pathways, as potential calamity arises. One responsible young man causes the group to come together toward a common goal.
Clara and Maisie are partners in Clara's new bakery, but sadly Maisie seems to have lost her purpose - what will she do - will she find a new purpose? Will Clara and Kurt's friendship develop further? Amidst the opening of Clara's bakery, Sweets & Treats, come the challenges of a blizzard, a lost pet and boy. Follow everyone in this heartwarming story as they face the challenges life doles out to them. You will be glad you did.
Barbara has once again captured the appeal of small town living. This installment was a welcome return to the values and community I grew up with in a small town. I often yearn for the everybody-knows-everybody and everybody’s business vibe. The characters are part of a community that pulls together in good times and bad. This was a very enjoyable book and I am excited to see what might come next for Clara, Masie, Josef, and Kurt. Noelle, too!
If you’re a fan of small-town stories with characters who support their neighbors, you’ll enjoy this sweet, easy read. This is the third book in the Paws and Pastries Series and continues the story of Clara and her friends in Pinewood. It’s a heartwarming story with a little drama, some romance, and furry friends.
This book is a sweet heartwarming story that I read in one sitting. It has wonderful characters and just the right amount of drama to keep you turning the pages. This is the first book I've read in the Paws & Pastries series, now I want to go back and read the ones I missed. I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this book so much that I will have to go back and read Books 1 and 2 as I didn’t realize I’d missed those. This is a romance but it is more in that it shows friendship, small town cooperation and caring. I’ve been privileged to see this for myself and know that it does at times take a village. I love how responsible Ian is for what is really a young boy. My first impression of him was that he was a teenager. Look forward to reading more by Barbara Hinske.
I truly enjoyed this third installment of the "Paws and Pastries" series. The story is cozy with familiar characters, plus surprises, suspense, and a few twists that have left me wanting a Book #4 to continue on a few paths that have been set. Loved it, recommended series!
This is a great book/series of love and everyday life. And it is really sweet because it is about a bakery. Barbara is a great story teller. I highly recommend all her books. Get a start on this series today.
Love these characters and their stories. I have read all 3 books in this series, and I feel like I am returning “home” to visit each time. Hopefully there will be more stories to come. Read this book…you’ll love it,
Another fun read by Barbara Hinske Love the characters in her books they feel like family.Always enjoy her stories. Definitely looking for more in this series as well as her others.You will not be disappointed.
I love this series. It's always a feel good story with kind, loving people and of course a dog. So refreshing to know that Ms. Hinske's books will never have bad language or steamy sex scenes. I always finish her books wishing I lived in a town like the one I just read about.
Lots of helpful friends and neighbors in a snowstorm. Crisis all over town. A small dog untrained and undisciplined who almost causes her own death and that of several people hunting for her. Yet THAT is never addressed in the story! Unbelievable!
Such a wonderful book from Barbara Hinske. Clara’s new business Sweets & Treats is opening soon, but then a blizzard descends on the town of Pinewood. Stranded people and resourceful locals along with some surprising events make for another good read in the Paws and Pastries series.
I didn't want this series to end. I've fallen in love with the characters and storyline. I'm very excited to have found a new author and can't wait to read more of her books!
I thoroughly enjoyed all three books in the Paws and Pastries series. All the characters are so real and extremely likable! I highly recommend all three of the books focusing on Clara and the new friends she meets as she embarks on a new life. Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us readers, Barbara- Anne A. from the Philadelphia area
I just read the first 3 books of this series. Very lightweight and short that I read the 3 in a very short time. Maybe they are only supposed to be novellas but it seems that they could just be combined into one?
This may have been my favorite book in the series. There's romance, suspense, and a little drama. Love all of the strong women in this book and their drive to find their purpose.