Baking Spirits Bright!

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs

by Kaci Lane

A handsome, single stranger is attending the Apple Cart County Christmas Bakeoff—on purpose. This must be a Christmas miracle.

I came up with the perfect plan to launch my career as a marketing professional and put my family’s apple orchard on the map. Then my quirky old landlord stole my idea to declare an official Apple Cart apple dessert and suggested a county-wide bakeoff.

That leaves me to defend my family’s desserts among others in town. For better or worse, it brings more exposure to Apple Cart.

It also brings a handsome man my age to town.

But there has to be a catch since he’s not visiting family or just passing through. Not until I’ve bared my soul to him for days do I discover he’s a famous Southern food blogger. Was our connection genuine, or was he playing me for intel on Apple Cart?

That leaves me trying to not love and hate him at the same time.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Clean Romance, Holiday, Novella

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2024

About the author

Kaci Lane is an Alabama girl whose mission in life is to write stories that relate to real-life issues with a bit of comic relief. While unsuccessfully trying to learn Spanish for a decade, she has become fluent in Sarcasm, Southern Belle and movie quotes. She is married to a true Southern gentleman and has two young children, all of which help keep her humility in check.

With a background and degree in journalism, Kaci has written almost everything about anything. Well, except for topics that would make any good Southern Baptist’s face turn the color of a Crimson Tide football jersey.

If you want to learn more about Kaci and fun, behind the scenes of her writing, sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/v3v3p5.

Reviews

[Laura and Literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute short story!

Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, dessert baking contest, and a little bit of insta-love.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminds me of a Hallmark movie. It's a short story, but it never really feels like that. This was my first time reading a book by Kaci Lane, and I loved her writing style. And best yet, the story even included a recipe in the end. I don't want to share too much. But in this story, Erica works at her family orchard and runs a blog. In an effort to bring in my tourism, the town opts to have a bake off. The news of the bake off brings newcomers to the town, one of which is Ryan. Erica and Ryan hit it off from the start... but he's only in town for a short while. So they try to keep from getting too involved - the best they can. That is until Erica finds out that Ryan isn't who he says he was... Where do they go from there? When the bake-off is over, he's heading back. And with his deception, she doesn't want anything more to do with him. But is that the end for them? How can two people with so much chemistry just walk away?

I really liked this story. And for the length of it, I felt like it was well done. That's why I gave it a rating of 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, but that did not influence this review in any what.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a very cute, short and sweet festive read!

[Linda Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

Baking Spirits Bright: A Sweet Secret
Author: Kaci Lane
Source: Kindle
Publication Date: Dec. 13, 2024

Small town setting, granddaughter working at the family apple farm, baking contest, hunky surprise guest judge, insta-love (when you know you know), love, family, and Apple pies make for a super sweet romance novella.

#christmas #romance #cozyromance #hallmarkish #holiday family bakingspiritsbright @amazonkindle

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

[Shaina Hedeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo cute! Short but had my attention.

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Ryan & Erica's sweet, yummy, caring, loving happily ever after!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baking Spirits Bright is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series. This is a multi-author series of standalone short and sweet Christmas romances!

What another fun addition to the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series this was! Kaci Lane never fails to bring the smalltown humor and charm and this one was absolutely no exception. From the moment they first meet, Erica and Ryan seem to have an instant connection. As they spend more time together with her showing him around the town, that connection only grows--- but when she learns that he was keeping a secret about who he really was, she doubts it all. This definitely felt very much like a Hallmark type of story--- in all the best ways possible. At less than 100 pages, this is definitely a quick read and a quick romance, but it didn't feel lacking in any way. I found myself enjoying this short trip back to Apple Cart County and seeing these two connect over the holidays. The perfect bite size read for the busy holiday season... with a great recipe at the end too!

Baking Spirits Bright is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaci’s stories always leave me laughing. I love her characters and the antics that happen in Apple Cart County. This story is a sweet, quick romcom. You will love Erica and Ryan with their instalove story.
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is part of a multi author series but can be read as a stand alone novel. You will also find many characters from other stories by Kaci Lane.

[Ang Hoehner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and a little lame and zero Christmas vibes.

[★ Reshika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️/5⭐️

Super sweet and short!
This one had a good plot it would’ve been more better if this was longer

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Lauren Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean it was cute and all.
But why did the man pee off the porch?

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

hallmark style Christmas novella🥰

[kathy inderbitzin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of short novellas!!

[•Ruthie• · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s a very cute book! i know it’s a novela/novelette but i think the romance bloomed way too fast, im more of a slow burn type person! but i really liked this book, i am currently reading another one of the authors books!!

[Megan | Reads Alotl Books]

Another book from the Christmas Kisses and Cookies Crumbs series.

This was such a cute and sweet novella. Erica is your sweet hometown girl looking for more and trying to get her family Apple Orchard to be noticed. She's also feeling the need for something more in her life, maybe away from her family and the small town.
Ryan is a stranger visiting her small town to judge a baking contest, only he hasn't told anyone. He is intrigued with Erica, the Orchard and her marketing skills.
So when they keep running into each other, is it fate or just a fling?
These 2 were so fun and I loved the opening scene with Erica's neighbor, the overhauled RV and Church Bus tour. Ryan was so sweet and even though he was keeping a secret, he just wanted to tell Erica and be with her. I love how he puts himself out there and how she decides to take charge.

[Amanda Benkendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying the novellas in the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs Series. I adored this story by Kaci Lane.

Is he a Hallmark villain, or is he who he says he is? Erica meets Ryan in her small hometown, and they connect through continued run ins throught town. Ryan has an interest in learning more about the town & Erica's families Apple Orchard, but does Ryan have an alterior motive? Kaci captured all the Hallmark vibes in this novella.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[A Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.75/5. This novella brought all the Christmas spirit, small-town charm, humor, and feel-good feelings.

I was sold from the beginning when the FMC works in marketing and the MMC is a food blogger (both things that I do and enjoy). And as the story continued, I totally fell in love with their sweet and funny personalities; as well as the quirky small town characters and the unique plot elements.

Also, this book didn’t have a lot of tension or stress, which is exactly what I needed to read this weekend!

[Kristie Ingerto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this Christmas novella by Kaci Lane and the return to Apple Cart! I always love reading about the familiar people and this area full of quirky residents and landmarks. Erica is a blogger and social media manager for the family's orchard. However, she did not realize her blog had snagged someone's attention until he shows up to visit the orchard and be there for the contest. This is such a cute read full of Christmas cheer and Southern charm!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own. 

This was a sweet, quick read. The FMC is torn between family and wanting to expand her life past her small town. The MMC is a mysterious man with a kind heart. I loved how he dove into the town's traditions. Their instant connection was sweet and enjoyable to read about. All the apple talk made me want apple cider. I highly recommend this book!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town (Apple Cart County), romantic comedy is just the short novella to put anyone in the Christmas notion and all that food….yummy!

Enjoyed Erica and getting to know Ryan in this clean yet redneck story….the author always has something quirky in her stories to make the reader go “No way!” and then laugh out loud!!!

High recommended!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute novella. I LOVE Kaci Lanes writing style and the super funny, small-town, redneck vibe scattered throughout the pages.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this sweet southern small town romcom novella!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[jennie.and.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little small town romance!

Loved this small town and all the fun and quirky characters!

A cute little hidden identity MMC, and a cute quick connection!

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking Spirits Bright! by Kaci Lane (2024)
Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs #1
related - Apple Cart County Christmas series
+66-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-60

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Short Story

Featuring: Graphics, Dual POVs, Close Proximity, Apple Orchard, Small-Town Alabama near Tuscaloosa, Food Blogger, Family Farms, Bake-Off, Nashville, Tennessee; Aspiring Marketing Director, Family Dynamics, Breakaway Trope, Holiday Recipe - Cookie Crack, Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series Bibliography with Covers and Link, Link to Apple Cart County Christmas series, Link to Newsletter, Summer Bonus Scene - Fourth of July, Summer Recipe - Southern Chess Squares, Bibliography for Kaci Lane, Author's Links

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "Christmas Must Be Something More" by Taylor Swift, "Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🍎🥧💚❤️❄️🎄

My thoughts: 🔖Page 38 of 66 [halfway through Chapter 5] ❄️Erica - This story is adorable! I'm only stopping because I can't read in the shower.

I love this series. I'm definitely putting this author's catalog on my TBR. This story was hilarious.

Recommend to others: Yes.

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs
1. Baking Spirits Bright! (2024) Kaci Lane
2. Christmas Tree Connection (2024) Elle Rush
3. Holiday Lights and Cocoa Cookie Nights (2024) Meg Easton
4. Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute (2024) Ellie Hall
5. Molasses and Mr. Christmas (2024) Lindsey Jesionowski
6. Pistachio Craze for the Holidays (2024) Kimberly Krey
7. St. Nick and Me Are Mint to Be (2024) Tamie Dearen
8. Tying the Knot with her Sweet Scrooge (2024) Ginny Sterling
9. 'Tis the Gingerbread Season (2024) Monique Brasher
10. The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas (2024) Danae Little
11. Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush (2024) Jessie Gussman
12. The White Chocolate Christmas Wish (2024) Jess Mastorakos


Memorable Quotes: “Could you give me directions?” “Sure.” I go through the spiel of driving out of town and passing Waffle House, then slowing at the sign for Double Drive. “The motel sign might not be lit, and it’s in the same building as Enchilada and The Hole.” “The hole, WH or H?” I laugh. “H. It’s a liquor store.” He lifts his chin as the culture shock hits. “Got it. My mind went to Whole Foods for some reason, since this is an agriculture area.” “Well, we have plenty of that too, but it’s sold at the Pig and farmers’ markets.” “Gotcha.” He smiles. “I’m from a rural area in Tennessee.” I laugh, relaxing my shoulders. “That’s nice to hear.” He nods. “Thanks for the directions. I hope to see you around.” “Me too.” I smile nervously as he gets in a nearby car and drives away. Me too? Wouldn’t that mean I’m also looking forward to seeing me around? I don’t know. I slap my forehead. This is why I’m better off behind a computer, where I can type my mind and edit it. Living next to Paul this past year and a half has not been good for my brain.

Quality Inn. Not much for quality. I assumed picking a motel rather than an Airbnb would be safer in an unknown town in Alabama. Maybe I was wrong. My gut cringes even more when I read a sign on the office door. “Visit register in Enchilada.” Alrighty, then. I step back and pass The Hole, opting for door number three: the entrance to the Mexican restaurant. It does seem like the safest choice at this point. An upbeat mariachi tempo greets me. There’s one guy sitting at the bar, which is one more than should be here at nine a.m. on a weekday. I turn and spot the front counter, along with what I hope is the register mentioned on the note. Nobody is there, so I ring a bell. A small man hurries from the back and smiles. “How many?” I glance around to make sure he’s talking to me. “Ryan Lewis. I made a reservation.” He starts grabbing menus, so I stop him. “Not for a table. For a room.” “Si.” He opens a notebook and flips through some grease-stained pages. He mumbles something in Spanish, then disappears again. I sigh and scan the room while he’s gone. Sleeping next door to this place should be a real treat. A thin older man enters this time. “You booked a room?” His voice is husky and dark. Not in the way women find sexy, but in the way that says, “I had unfiltered cigarettes for dinner and gunpowder for dessert.” “Yes, sir,” I answer. At least according to Expedia I booked a room. I pull out my phone to open the confirmation in my email in case they ask. Before I locate it, he speaks again. “Here’s the key. Rooms are numbered. If the number fell off, count.” I nod. Seems simple enough. “You’re in four.” He holds out the key, only to jerk his hand back and cover a deathly cough. Then he holds it out again, and I take it with caution. I hope he isn’t competing in the town bake-off.

Ryan isn’t wearing a three-piece suit or a sweater vest, and he doesn’t have a metropolitan vibe. According to Hallmark, that disqualifies him from being a corporate tycoon ready to overthrow our small town.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little Christmas gem of a novelette was written by Kaci Lane and his encouraged me to go read more of the Apple Cart County books!  She sure knows how to kick off a story by throwing us right in the heart of Erica’s daily routine, complete with morning salutations from her duplex neighbor, haha.

While Erica was born and raised in Apple Cart, she left for a short period of time to go off to college never once thinking she would be back long term!  But for now, she’s back in the close-knit community amongst her real family and found family alike!  With a background in marketing, she was hoping to drum up interest for her family’s business but now the entire county will be vying for the win at the bake-off!  While out on her daily run, she bumps into a handsome stranger, who’s passing through, gives him directions before continuing her way! 

Ryan isn’t merely passing through Apple Cart County, he’s there for the bake-off, the quaintness, and the Marshall family orchard he has read so much about online!  But let’s just say someone that attractive, isn’t likely to stick around and flirt with a local!  After getting directions from Erica, who he appears to be very attracted to, Ryan heads further down the road to his hotel! 

As fate would have it, the pair keep bumping into each other all around the community!  They share some laughs at the coincidences and strike a chord with the other person!  Two good-looking younger generation finding stuff in common and subtly flirting shouldn’t be a big deal, but it certainly has a way of turning some heads! 

I love the small town feel in this story!  You get all the personalities, whether you are a seasoned reader of Kaci’s or first-time visitor!  In under one hundred pages, she captures all the emotions that Erica goes through on the regular and equally captures Ryan’s mixed feelings about all things Apple Cart County as an outsider!  Be advised the various treats that are mentioned throughout this story, not just at the bake-off might have your mouth salivating!  Best part is the winning dessert has their recipe featured in the back of the book!  A good read and a treat to go with it, yes please!  Well done, Kaci! 

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys, this story had me absolutely rolling within the first two paragraphs. Kaci wields the pen (computer?) like a champ here, and the descriptions of the small town of Apple Cart, Alabama, and the people that live there, are hilarious! When Ryan, an outsider from Nashville, comes to visit for the town bake-off, the experience of Apple Cart through his eyes is even funnier. I read the hotel part aloud to my husband because we had a very similar experience at a hotel on vacation one year, and it has forever changed the way we book hotels. 😅

ANYWAY, this really is an insta-love story between Erica, the hometown girl, and Ryan, the guy who doesn't plan to stay. They have a wonderful instant chemistry, and Ryan takes on the people of Apple Cart, including Erica's smothering family, like a champ. When he confesses he wants to kiss her, you feel like Sebastian the crab and telling him to "go on and kiss the girl!" This short story has a quick and happy resolution with a perfect epilogue to leave us all satisfied.

I loved this funny little small town tale!

Baking Spirits Bright is Book Eight in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs multi-author collab. I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Ashley Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s the truth, it’s a short story. Which means everything will be rushed. My review will not be based on that. Because of course with all short stories we want more. I read this because I needed to read one more book to reach my goal. I wanted something easy and Christmas, since I had only one day left for Christmas reading. Erica has a good back story, she has a good story. Could it have been elaborated more? Yes, but we got what we needed out of her. I cannot say the same for Ryan. We hardly learn much about him as a character. We know what he does and what his parents do, that is it. I enjoyed that they kept running into each other, it also showcases that love at first sight is real, even if it isn’t portrayed like that in this story. It’s hard to really feel for the characters, so many characters are mentioned, that at some points you want these other characters to disappear and focus on Erica and Ryan. Short stories can be enjoyable, and while this was a quick read, it was okay. I rated 3.5 because of the Christmas vibe. The hallmark references. Amongst other things. But this is not a story I would read again.

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

💖 Ryan & Erica💖

The first thing I did was ask my husband who is from Alabama, if there’s a real city named Apple Cart 😂

Bummer, it’s not real.

This was such a fun read. Ryan comes to town because he’s a food blogger and he’s going to be attending the bake off! He needs directions and Erica happily helps. They keep running into each other and they share some hilarious moments. She confides in him and then finds out what he’s in town for. She’s now questioning whether this “Insta connection” she thought they shared, is one-sided or not. They have a great chemistry and it was so sweet when he said he wanted to kiss her! I really enjoyed this and @_kacilane’s writing so I can’t wait to check out her other books!

I also like how she wrote him handling the people of Alabama, especially her family. I felt like I was back living in Alabama myself 😂

Thank you so much for the advanced copy!

🎄This is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs Series and it comes with a recipe for cookie crack at the end!!! (Which I can’t wait to make)🎄