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Maple Woods #2
Recipe for Romance
When Scott Collins walks into the Sweetie Pie Bakery on opening day, Emily is convinced she is seeing a ghost! It has been twelve years since he left town without a word;twelve years since he shattered her teenage heart. What has brought him back to Maple Woods? And why now?
Time has only improved Emily's beauty, Scott muses. He would give anything to take away her pained expression, to be able to hold her in his arms again. But the family secret that drove him away still stands between them. And telling her the truth could ruin more than just their second chance at a happy ending....
Time has only improved Emily's beauty, Scott muses. He would give anything to take away her pained expression, to be able to hold her in his arms again. But the family secret that drove him away still stands between them. And telling her the truth could ruin more than just their second chance at a happy ending....
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2014
55 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Miles
80 books446 followersOlivia Miles is a two-time USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming women's fiction and small town contemporary romance. She has frequently been ranked as an Amazon Top 100 author and Kindle All Star, and her books have appeared on several bestseller lists, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and USA Today. Olivia has been published by Harlequin, Grand Central Publishing/Hachette, and Montlake, and her books have been translated into more than half a dozen languages.
After growing up in New England and later living in Montreal, Olivia traded salt water for fresh water, and now lives on the shore of Lake Michigan with her family and an adorable pair of dogs.
Join Olivia's mailing list at: https://subscribepage.io/jQkafo
After growing up in New England and later living in Montreal, Olivia traded salt water for fresh water, and now lives on the shore of Lake Michigan with her family and an adorable pair of dogs.
Join Olivia's mailing list at: https://subscribepage.io/jQkafo
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 6, 2014
3 1/2 Stars ~ Twelve years ago, seventeen year-old Emily was deeply in love with her high school sweetheart, eighteen year-old Scott. Together they had plans and dreams for their wonderful future. It was all shattered, when Scott learned about a lie that his parents had told when Emily's father had died while working at his dad's construction site. Unable to cope with the lie, Scott left town without a word to anyone, not even a goodbye to the girl he loved with all his heart. Arriving back in Maple Woods on his sister Lucy's pleading, Scott feels his stomach burning with regret. Now a successful builder with his own construction company in Seattle, Scott's only back to take on the rebuilding of the library, a job his father had started but cancer was stopping him from finishing. And the first person he should run into is none other than the one he'd run away from, Emily. And in her eyes he can see all the pain he'd caused her.
This is an emotional story of young love and having to cope with life altering mistakes and finding forgiveness. Emily doesn't know why Scott left and the not knowing has stopped her from moving on. Twelve years away, and in just a moment back it's obvious these two still love each other. There are some bittersweet moments as they come to realize that Scott's secret is still keeping them apart. The twist on what actually happened was a bit of a surprise. This was a lovely story for a rainy afternoon.
This is an emotional story of young love and having to cope with life altering mistakes and finding forgiveness. Emily doesn't know why Scott left and the not knowing has stopped her from moving on. Twelve years away, and in just a moment back it's obvious these two still love each other. There are some bittersweet moments as they come to realize that Scott's secret is still keeping them apart. The twist on what actually happened was a bit of a surprise. This was a lovely story for a rainy afternoon.
August 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. My heart hurt for the pain Scott felt at what had transpired 12 years prior, and also for the pain Emily felt at not knowing why things had ended so abruptly. I found the end to be touching and sweetly romantic. It made my heart happy. I just wish there had been a little more closure between Scott and his parents. That was the only thing holding me back from giving it 5 stars. Otherwise a very good story.
April 19, 2014
Good book with some heavy emotions on both sides. Emily and Scott had been high school sweethearts, until the day Scott left town without speaking to her. He hasn't been back for twelve years. Now he's come back to help out his father's construction business for a few weeks. Scott has never forgotten Emily or the way he felt about her. He'd like to be with her again, but the secret that sent him running is still there.
Emily was stunned to see Scott appear at the bakery. He hasn't been back or even contacted her since he left. Seeing him again brings back all the pain of his departure, but there's also a part of her that still cares. Her life hasn't been easy since the death of her father in a construction accident at one of Scott's father's sites. With no insurance money coming, Emily's mom had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Then her high school romance ended abruptly. There was no money for her to go to college, so she has stayed in their small town, and now works as a baker for Scott's sister. She's finally ready to follow her own dreams and has applied for culinary school. Even though she knows Scott isn't staying, she can't help thinking of what might have been, especially when they start spending time together again. Just when she's fallen for him all over again, he finally breaks his silence and tells her why he left. She's furious that he kept it from her all these years and doesn't know if she can forgive him for what was done or that he didn't tell her to start with. Emily spent a fair amount of time fighting her feelings because of the hurt and anger from the way he left. I thought her reactions to his reappearance were very realistic. I especially loved the pie throwing contest, it must have been very satisfying for her. It was interesting to see how her sister started out being anti-Scott but by the end was pointing out how much he loved Emily.
Scott had been so in love with Emily back then and didn't understand why his parents had a problem with him dating her. When he found out why he was devastated. He had a big blowout with his parents and left home that night. He hasn't been back in twelve years. He now owns his own construction business in Seattle, but came back to Maple Woods when his sister begged for his help. He still wants nothing to do with his father, but consents to staying long enough to get the library project started. Seeing Emily again makes him remember just how much he loved her, and still does. He's drowning in the guilt he feels over what happened to her father and for leaving without telling her why, but he wants to spend time with her. As he finds ways to be with her he also realizes he can't hide the truth from her any longer. It was a difficult decision because he knew it could turn her against him. Scott's problem with his parents actions have created a problem between himself and his sister Lucy (who is also Emily's boss). He doesn't want to cause her to look at them differently so he can't tell her why he refuses to come home. Though finally sharing with Lucy ends up making a huge difference to his relationship with Emily, I was disappointed that there wasn't really any kind of conversation with his parents.
Emily was stunned to see Scott appear at the bakery. He hasn't been back or even contacted her since he left. Seeing him again brings back all the pain of his departure, but there's also a part of her that still cares. Her life hasn't been easy since the death of her father in a construction accident at one of Scott's father's sites. With no insurance money coming, Emily's mom had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Then her high school romance ended abruptly. There was no money for her to go to college, so she has stayed in their small town, and now works as a baker for Scott's sister. She's finally ready to follow her own dreams and has applied for culinary school. Even though she knows Scott isn't staying, she can't help thinking of what might have been, especially when they start spending time together again. Just when she's fallen for him all over again, he finally breaks his silence and tells her why he left. She's furious that he kept it from her all these years and doesn't know if she can forgive him for what was done or that he didn't tell her to start with. Emily spent a fair amount of time fighting her feelings because of the hurt and anger from the way he left. I thought her reactions to his reappearance were very realistic. I especially loved the pie throwing contest, it must have been very satisfying for her. It was interesting to see how her sister started out being anti-Scott but by the end was pointing out how much he loved Emily.
Scott had been so in love with Emily back then and didn't understand why his parents had a problem with him dating her. When he found out why he was devastated. He had a big blowout with his parents and left home that night. He hasn't been back in twelve years. He now owns his own construction business in Seattle, but came back to Maple Woods when his sister begged for his help. He still wants nothing to do with his father, but consents to staying long enough to get the library project started. Seeing Emily again makes him remember just how much he loved her, and still does. He's drowning in the guilt he feels over what happened to her father and for leaving without telling her why, but he wants to spend time with her. As he finds ways to be with her he also realizes he can't hide the truth from her any longer. It was a difficult decision because he knew it could turn her against him. Scott's problem with his parents actions have created a problem between himself and his sister Lucy (who is also Emily's boss). He doesn't want to cause her to look at them differently so he can't tell her why he refuses to come home. Though finally sharing with Lucy ends up making a huge difference to his relationship with Emily, I was disappointed that there wasn't really any kind of conversation with his parents.
May 29, 2025
Being at the library with my little boy means I have to make very snap decisions about which books I want out as he doesn't give me a moments peace -needing me to read books, supervise his crafts and keep him from pulling the various cuddly toys from the displays so when I found a really thick yellow covered book on the quick choice section which looked vaguely like a romance I thought why not. I had a brief look at the back and thought it was about 3 interlinking couples. I get it home and realise it's three books in one and not only that but it's Mills and Boon 🤦🏼♀️ I thought I'll let go of all my snobby thoughts and give it a go and whilst I've managed to read the first book in the collection which is this one, I only managed to get 3 chapters through the second and decided that I've got much more interesting things I can do with my time. The first book wasn't bad really, I'm just not the target audience for it. It was easy enough to read and the characters and romance were fine - I just found there was only one plot point and "secret" which just kept being repeated for over 200 pages. I have learnt my lesson to definitely investigate cartoony colourful covers more thoroughly before I take them from the library!
February 3, 2024
Sweet little story of two young people who are reunited 12 years later.
The boy left town and never looked back. The girl gave up her dream of going to culinary school and helping to raise her younger sister after the unexpected death of their father in a construction accident.
The boys family owned the company, even though this happened when they were eight and nine years old.
Their mother struggled with various jobs to keep the family together.
The boy and girl dated for three years before he left without a word. His sister requested him to return upon the failing health of their father. Secrets revealed caused a major divide between father and son, and a relationship now is very strained.
A visit to the hospital brings the boy and girl closer, but he cannot tell her why he left all those years ago.
An honest discussion reveals all their love and hopes for a future together.
The boy left town and never looked back. The girl gave up her dream of going to culinary school and helping to raise her younger sister after the unexpected death of their father in a construction accident.
The boys family owned the company, even though this happened when they were eight and nine years old.
Their mother struggled with various jobs to keep the family together.
The boy and girl dated for three years before he left without a word. His sister requested him to return upon the failing health of their father. Secrets revealed caused a major divide between father and son, and a relationship now is very strained.
A visit to the hospital brings the boy and girl closer, but he cannot tell her why he left all those years ago.
An honest discussion reveals all their love and hopes for a future together.
December 17, 2025
Short and sweet, a quick read for romance lovers. I don't have any idea why, but I love stories centered around food. Whenever I see a Hallmark movie about people working in a bakery, it's a must see. I don't even have a sweet tooth - I'm a salty girl. I like my chips. But I'm a sucker for restaurant/bakery stories. This was no exception.
November 26, 2018
Heartache to Heaven
Although the heartache was a little drawn out, the end result was engaging. Both main characters were aware of their attraction t o each other. Forgiveness was a necessity if they were ever going to recoup a lasting relationship.
Although the heartache was a little drawn out, the end result was engaging. Both main characters were aware of their attraction t o each other. Forgiveness was a necessity if they were ever going to recoup a lasting relationship.
July 5, 2024
Good read. I liked the characters and the plot. This must be an early work of this author, because it's a bit different from her present writings. Still enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 5, 2019
Solid, sweet romance. Miles painted a quaint little town I'd love to visit and where I'd like to fall in love.
March 10, 2017
This story was short and sweet. That is basically it.
Twelve years ago, Scott ran away from home and his high school sweetheart, Emily, because he believed he was the source of the sadness in Emily's home life (death of her father). Now he has come back into town to help look after his father's construction company, and well Lucy (his loving older sister) kept begging him. So who does he encounter as soon as he drives back into town? Emily!
Yes there are still chemistry between the two, even though it has been 12 long years. The attraction is undeniable. Everything is very sweet and fairly straightforward, nothing too unpredictable for sure. This makes for a quick, simple and sweet read.
Twelve years ago, Scott ran away from home and his high school sweetheart, Emily, because he believed he was the source of the sadness in Emily's home life (death of her father). Now he has come back into town to help look after his father's construction company, and well Lucy (his loving older sister) kept begging him. So who does he encounter as soon as he drives back into town? Emily!
Yes there are still chemistry between the two, even though it has been 12 long years. The attraction is undeniable. Everything is very sweet and fairly straightforward, nothing too unpredictable for sure. This makes for a quick, simple and sweet read.
May 3, 2014
Ok, I am a sucker for second chance love stories, and Recipe for Romance by Olivia Miles is just that, a second chance with the one person that you have loved all your life.
Scott Collins lite out of town at the age of 18 taking with him a secret that he knew would distroy the one person that he loved more than anything Emily Porter. Now he is back in Maple Woods and the secret that he has been keeping from Emily for the last 12 years, the secret that has been eating him away slowly, needs to be told. But he is afraid. Afraid that Emily will not understand, afraid that she will hate him, afraid that he will lose her all over again. But what is that old addage, the truth shall set you free? He only hope is that once he tells Emily the whole truth, the love that they had, the love they still have will be enough to make her forgive him.
Emily Porter has a life full of loss, first she lost her father at the age of 8 in a construction site accident that was due to her father forgetting to set the brake on the equipment he was working on. Then she looses the one boy that she loved more than anyone. Hurt and confused she never understood why Scott left without a word, never tried to contact her in the last 12 years. Now that he is back in town, she is hoping to get the answers that she so desperately seeks. But will the answers ease her mind, or break her heart?
"I'm not going to lose you twice in one lifetime."
My heart truly broke for Scott. He has carried his secret, a secret that his parents keep from him, from Emily, from the entire town, for 12 years. I could relate to how scared he was to tell Emily the truth. You can see in his every action, in his every word, in every look between them, that Emily was it for him. The one person in the world that he loved, would always love. His only thoughts throughout the entire book were how he could make ammends for what he had done, how he could make her life and that of her family a little easier.
"This is the life I always wanted, Scott. You and me. Just the way it should have always been."
Emily has such a loving, forgiving, caring heart. Even before she knew why Scott left, she reached out to him when his dad was in the hospital dying of cancer. Now don't get me wrong, this girl is no push over. She was hurt and she did in a way get back at Scott in the beginning, hitting him square in the face with a cherry pie. But she is strong, she is a survivor, and as the story progresses you can truly see the changes in her. How she has grown, how even as she tries her best to fight it, she cannot deny that Scott is the only man for her. I love how she handles the information that Scott give her, about the secret that made him leave town. It is a testament to her loving heart.
"Because you love me Emily. And I love you. I always have. I always will."
This is the stuff that second chance at love is all about and that is why I wound encourage anyone that loves a good second chance at HEA with their one true love to pick up this wonderful story. I give it 5 beautiful stars.
Scott Collins lite out of town at the age of 18 taking with him a secret that he knew would distroy the one person that he loved more than anything Emily Porter. Now he is back in Maple Woods and the secret that he has been keeping from Emily for the last 12 years, the secret that has been eating him away slowly, needs to be told. But he is afraid. Afraid that Emily will not understand, afraid that she will hate him, afraid that he will lose her all over again. But what is that old addage, the truth shall set you free? He only hope is that once he tells Emily the whole truth, the love that they had, the love they still have will be enough to make her forgive him.
Emily Porter has a life full of loss, first she lost her father at the age of 8 in a construction site accident that was due to her father forgetting to set the brake on the equipment he was working on. Then she looses the one boy that she loved more than anyone. Hurt and confused she never understood why Scott left without a word, never tried to contact her in the last 12 years. Now that he is back in town, she is hoping to get the answers that she so desperately seeks. But will the answers ease her mind, or break her heart?
"I'm not going to lose you twice in one lifetime."
My heart truly broke for Scott. He has carried his secret, a secret that his parents keep from him, from Emily, from the entire town, for 12 years. I could relate to how scared he was to tell Emily the truth. You can see in his every action, in his every word, in every look between them, that Emily was it for him. The one person in the world that he loved, would always love. His only thoughts throughout the entire book were how he could make ammends for what he had done, how he could make her life and that of her family a little easier.
"This is the life I always wanted, Scott. You and me. Just the way it should have always been."
Emily has such a loving, forgiving, caring heart. Even before she knew why Scott left, she reached out to him when his dad was in the hospital dying of cancer. Now don't get me wrong, this girl is no push over. She was hurt and she did in a way get back at Scott in the beginning, hitting him square in the face with a cherry pie. But she is strong, she is a survivor, and as the story progresses you can truly see the changes in her. How she has grown, how even as she tries her best to fight it, she cannot deny that Scott is the only man for her. I love how she handles the information that Scott give her, about the secret that made him leave town. It is a testament to her loving heart.
"Because you love me Emily. And I love you. I always have. I always will."
This is the stuff that second chance at love is all about and that is why I wound encourage anyone that loves a good second chance at HEA with their one true love to pick up this wonderful story. I give it 5 beautiful stars.
January 24, 2016
Recipe for Romance continues the Maple Wood series after 'Twas the Week Before Christmas. We meet Emily, a baker/waitress who lives with her sister Julia above the town diner, and is looking for an opportunity to start over. She never recovered from the disappearance of her high school sweetheart. She wants more out of life than the small town the Porters grew up in, even though she loves Maple Woods, her sister, and her best friend Lucy.
Enter Scott, disappearing ex boyfriend. Scott left maple woods 12 years ago for good reason, in his mind. He could never bring himself to tell Emily why. Now he's back to help oversee a construction project as his father is ill. Seeing Emily makes him want to mend the past, but can he bring himself to tell her the truth? Maybe, not everything is as Scott thought for the past 12 years. Read on for a great story!
Enter Scott, disappearing ex boyfriend. Scott left maple woods 12 years ago for good reason, in his mind. He could never bring himself to tell Emily why. Now he's back to help oversee a construction project as his father is ill. Seeing Emily makes him want to mend the past, but can he bring himself to tell her the truth? Maybe, not everything is as Scott thought for the past 12 years. Read on for a great story!
December 6, 2015
Nice story. The hero and heroine were high school sweethearts until the day he left town without a word and didn't get in touch with her for the next 12 years. Now he's come back and the fireworks get started again. There's good reason for the conflict between them and it's a solid issue, but it's belabored over and over from both sides. The reconciliation between them isn't motivated very well either, though there some nice scenes between them. I would just rather have had less internal agonizing over issues and more actual conversations about the problems. Still, it's a nice story and a good read.
April 1, 2014
I am a sucker for love stories, and an even bigger sucker for people who are meant to be together finding their way back to each other. This book had both of those things. I think it was very detailed and well written. I could picture the entire story as if I were a fly on the wall. Will definitely pass this on to friends!
April 6, 2014
I am not one who usually buys Harlequin books but this one caught my eye. I have never read this author before and was pleasantly surprised. I loved this book and couldn't put it down until it was finished. Then I had to read the last 50 or so pages again to make sure I didn't miss anything. I will be looking for other books by this author.
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January 12, 2016"Miles' heartbreaking, second-chance-at-romance story features a guilt-ridden hero and bewildered heroine. The author's intuitive dialogue adds authenticity to her small-town setting as she keeps readers guessing until the end (RT Book Reviews)". 4 stars
April 9, 2014
Really enjoyed!
August 4, 2014
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
July 31, 2015
Don't like this kind of "backward" story..a secret based line that has extended into the present.... Bought in an hpb "brick".
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews