Recipe for Love

Small Town Shenanigans #1

by Penny Zeller

A clumsy baker. A hunky tourist. A recipe for disaster...or love?

Nothing interesting ever happens in Cloverdale Falls, which suits Maisie Carpenter just fine. Small town drama keeps her entertained until that small town drama brings news Maisie never imagined hearing. Main Street has sold, and with it, the building housing her bakery. Ask any resident, and they’ll readily provide a dismal answer as to what will become of the friendly town founded by chicken farmers in the 1800s. What happens when she discovers the man connected with purchasing the businesses is the very same man she’s recently fallen in love with?

Hudson Tressler is content working for his uncle's company, helping to revitalize struggling towns. Cloverdale Falls is his next mission, and he quickly discovers the residents are as quirky as the town itself, with its famous Henrietta the chicken mascot. Hudson finds himself drawn to one such resident—the clumsy, but cute baker who makes the best chocolate cookies he's ever tasted. With the residents fearing for Cloverdale Falls's future, Hudson finds himself navigating chickens, self-appointed geriatric investigators, and falling head over heels for Maisie.

Can chocolate cookies, small town shenanigans, and a concealed identity become a recipe for love?

Take a trip to Cloverdale Falls, a town you'll want to become a resident of in this hilarious first book in the Small Town Shenanigans Series.

Concealed identity
Small town
Humor
Pet chicken
Secondary characters in every generation
Fun rom-com (think Great American Family/Pureflix or Hallmark with faith)


Recipe for Love audiobook available late October 2025.






Please note that Recipe for Love is a faith-based Christian contemporary romance.

Genres: Romance

279 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2025

About the author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where she posts faith, funnies, writing updates, and encouragement. All of her socials can be found at https://linktr.ee/pennyzeller.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me smile wide and whisper amen more than once. Somewhere between small-town shenanigans, suspicious window stakeouts, and bakery counters full of sweet confections, I found a story that quietly and beautifully reminded me: living like Jesus isn’t complicated—it’s courageous.

“Jesus was a huge part of her life – the most integral part – so how could she not bring Him into the conversation?”
Maisie is sweet and focused. And while the town might swirl with rumors and oddball errands, she keeps her eyes (and heart) on Christ. “…even when people are challenging, my goal is to respond in a way that brings honor to my Savior.” That’s the kind of spiritual romcom energy I’ll show up for every time!

The humor? Pure delight. The mystery? Lighthearted fun with just enough twists to keep it interesting. And the faith? It’s lived, realistic, and encouraging. “…because God has shown me so much grace, I wanted to show that same grace to you …” That right there is why this story works—it carries truth with tenderness and never lets go of what matters most.

Maisie and Hudson were figuring out some stuff while grace, mercy, and love were the real glue holding the story together. “God is good. He protected me, and I’m going to be all right.” That line wrapped around me like peace. That’s the kind of reminder I want baked into every romcom I read!

This isn’t fluff with a few faith lines sprinkled in. It’s full-hearted, Christ-centered, small-town charm with a clear message: faith belongs in every part of our lives—even the quirky, messy, laugh-out-loud parts. And Cloverdale Falls? I’d visit again in a heartbeat.

Let’s encourage this talented author to make an unending series featuring the Cloverdale Falls Investigators! :)

I received a digital version of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Penny Zeller]

A clumsy baker. A hunky tourist. A recipe for disaster...or love?

Nothing interesting ever happens in Cloverdale Falls, which suits Maisie Carpenter just fine. Small town drama keeps her entertained until that small town drama brings news Maisie never imagined hearing. Main Street has sold, and with it, the building housing her bakery. Ask any resident, and they’ll readily provide a dismal answer as to what will become of the friendly town founded by chicken farmers in the 1800s. What happens when she discovers the man connected with purchasing the businesses is the very same man she’s recently fallen in love with?

Hudson Tressler is content working for his uncle's company, helping to revitalize struggling towns. Cloverdale Falls is his next mission, and he quickly discovers the residents are as quirky as the town itself, with its famous Henrietta the chicken mascot. Hudson finds himself drawn to one such resident—the clumsy, but cute baker who makes the best chocolate cookies he's ever tasted. With the residents fearing for Cloverdale Falls's future, Hudson finds himself navigating chickens, self-appointed geriatric investigators, and falling head over heels for Maisie.

Can chocolate cookies, small town shenanigans, and a concealed identity become a recipe for love?

Take a trip to Cloverdale Falls, a town you'll want to become a resident.

Includes the following tropes:

Concealed identity
Small town
Humor
Secondary characters in every generation
Fun rom-com (think Great American Family/Pureflix or Hallmark with faith)


Please note that Recipe for Love is a faith-filled Christian contemporary romance.

Recipe for Love audiobook available late October 2025.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rom-com delight! This book has it all! There are absolutely hysterical mishaps and a super spy group complete with costumes pursuing a mystery that could affect the whole town. There are also serious moments where the characters must rely on their faith in God.

The characters are written brilliantly! I can say without reservation that I liked every single character! Maisie is super sweet and not just because she owns a bakery!! She helps those in need, humors a couple of eccentric older women, and she's compassionate. Hudson is 😍! He's a gentleman, he loves his family and he loves dessert! I also like that he owns up to his mistakes. Mauve and Beulah are eccentric and loveable! I'm blessed to have a few women in my life like them!

The best parts for me are the ones that talk about faith in God. Like when Hudson prays over his meals and Maisie prays for the right words to speak to an unruly neighbor. I find this inspiring and encouraging!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.T. has multiple meanings in this book, making it a delightful story about intrigue at first sight in the Small Town Shenanigans series. Readers will enjoy seeing what the Handsome Tourist is up to and how his presence affects a small town, bringing about some investigative services that will have you rolling with laughter as some seniors in the community take matters into their own hands. This is a book where the small town is definitely the star of the show, complete with a chicken named Henrietta.

As a result, I love that Hudson and Maisie are so active in the community and that their heart is in giving back to others. You can tell that they are both respected community members, making it easier to cheer for their budding feelings for one another. The way that Hudson treats his grandparents is a testament to his character, granting him leading hero status. I appreciate that there are open conversations about faith and that the characters live out their beliefs by how they act. If you enjoy a Christian romance with humour, small town fun, and baking along the way, Recipe for Love is as delightful and comforting as chocolate chip cookies after a splendid meal with family and friends.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story! Entertaining and witty with some of the most fun characters to grace a small town full of charm. There are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the entire story. The characters of Cloversdale Falls are fantastic! Beulah and Maeve are hilarious and then you have Henrietta… oh my goodness! The romance is sweet and I loved how it grew. A fun little town that reminds me of the good ole days when God was put first and then family. The way Jesus wants us to love and how we are to forgive is part of the actions and thoughts of the characters and not preached, it beautifully enriched this story with the more serious side of the matters at heart. An entertaining and delightful read!

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like cute small town romcoms? Then this one may be for you! Not only is it adorable but it has lots of great Christian content. Maisie and Hudson are super cute together. Maisie is a baker and Hudson is scoping out the town to see how to help it after the company he works for buys a lot of the buildings. Of course confusion and misunderstandings happen. My favorite part of this story was Maisie interactions with Beulah and Maeve. Overall, this was a cute read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can count on a Penny Zeller book to be squeaky clean and Christian in scope. This one doesn't disappoint. It's clean. It's cute. It's a sweet rom-com. And it is Christian in scope but not "preachy."

Part of the "Small Town Shenanigans" books by Zeller, this one is nearly unbelievable in that the town - founded by chicken farmers many years hence - has a chicken statue named "Henrietta" standing midtown and the town's current mascot is a pet chicken by the same name. But of course, that just makes it all cuter and more quirky.

Characters that you'll come to love and will laugh at will spring from the pages of this sweet read.

There's a problem, a mystery to solve, and a worrisome situation for the shop owners on main street. How will it be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, and will the sweet budding romance blossom into full bloom?

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipe for Love by Penny Zeller is a sweet small town Christian romcom. The first book I ever read by this author was the first book in this Small Town Shenanigans series, Love in the Headlines which released a couple of years ago. We'll blame her for getting me interested in romcoms, as they are not my usual genre.

In this story we are in Cloverdale Falls where Maisie and her mom have a bakery on Main Street. Rumors are flying regarding what is going to happen to the businesses here because the former owner of the buildings sold them all. And of course, everyone is thinking the worst. In fact, there are a wide range of theories.

And yet the reader is privy to two points of view. That of Maisie and also that of Hudson, the man who just happens to be in town to assess all the buildings/businesses to report back to his employer. As readers we know that there is no nefarious plan, at least on the part of Hudson. Though we do have to wonder if the actual owner may have some different plans. So, there is a little uncertainty.

As the story progresses, Maisie is roped into helping in the investigation devised by widows Maeve and Beulah to discover who is was who bought the buildings. No one suspects Hudson's involvement as he is there with his grandparents who are visiting because his grandmother grew up in the town. The shenanigans of the widows are hilarious, and you have to feel bad for Maisie who finds herself emeshed in their activities.

At the same time, Maisie and Hudson start spending time together and I just loved how their relationship evolved. They both have a strong faith and look to God in making their decisions. However, will their relationship be able to survive with the secrets Hudson is required to keep?

I loved the small town vibe and the chicken statue and the mascot Henrietta the chicken. I loved that faith in God was incorporated into the story without being "in your face," it was just a part of who the characters were. I loved the hijinks of the widows.

If you are in the mood for a light hilarious Christian read, you'll want to check out this book. And don't miss Love in the Headlines. However, there is no connection between the two books, so you can read them in whichever order you prefer.

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Hudson and Maisie's story! I don't usually like RomCom's, but I did enjoy this one!! Hudson meets Maisie when he goes t Cloverdale Falls on business. He works for his uncle, who buys properties hoping to revitalize small towns. Maisie and her mom own a bakery, which has been their dream. Now that their building has been sold, they're waiting to find out what the new owner is going to do. Rumor has it that all of Main Street will be changed and made into a shopping mall or something. When the truth of it all comes out, will Hudson manage to win Maisie's heart, or will everything be over between them before it gets a good start? Love how both Maisie and Hudson pray over decisions they need to make and with Maisie, over words she needs to speak.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, wasn't required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Anna Marie Leffew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet comical romance

I absolutely loved this story—Maisie and Hudson's journey is truly captivating. It vividly illustrates how a small town's gossip and suspicions, especially those cast upon newcomers and tourists, can either strengthen or shatter the community and even destroy meaningful relationships. The characters are so well-developed that I found myself genuinely invested in their lives. The vivid descriptions of the town made me feel as if I was right there, experiencing it firsthand. The audiobook narrator did an outstanding job, bringing the story to life and making it impossible to put down. Don't miss out on this unforgettable tale—it's a powerful reminder of the impact of perception and the importance of community.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am on a binge reading books set in small towns and I am loving it. Cloverdale Falls is another town that I would love to visit. Henrietta the chicken and the statue would be one of the first things that I would check out. Then I would be heading to the bakery to try one of everything!

The cast of characters was quite entertaining! The highlights were the windows, Beulah and Maeve, who turned into investigators. While Beulah's driving may not be the best, her heart was in the right place. The main characters, Maisie and Hudson, were relatable to me. I've often been quite clumsy just like Maisie.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Sharon Whalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely Rom Com. The narrator brings the various characters to life making me want to meet them in person, and move into their town. I loved Beulah and Maeve -what eccentric characters who have a deep love of their community, we all need older people in our lives who are Christ filled and have a deep concern for others.
Through Maisie’s story we are challenged as to how strong our faith is and how obvious to others is our walk with our Saviour. She lived out her faith and was not afraid to bring Him into every day conversations.
Although a romance it doesn’t dominate the story,

I was given a complimentary audio copy of this book, these observations are all my own.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great Ron-com story. It was fun to read. I always enjoy this author’s writing. A perfect book for those who like to read Christian rom-coms or just need something light to read. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are mine.

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet, funny romance!! The characters were well written and came alive off the pages. There are two elderly lady side characters who almost steal the show! They had me laughing out loud with their shenanigans!! There are plenty of laugh out loud and swoony moments with the main characters as well. There is a strong faith thread throughout the story, both main characters are solid Christians who live out their faith. There is a little bit of angst in the story but this is mostly a very fun, lighthearted, inspirational read! I read an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. I recommend this book, you’re going to enjoy it!

[Brooke Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute story! I laughed out loud at some of the antics in this book. I was also pleasantly suprised by a main character who was homeschooled and successful (IYKYK). As a homeschool mom myself, it was great to see representation.

All the buildings on Main St of Cloverdale Falls have been bought by...someone? Speculation is running rampant as everyone worries about resorts, golf courses and malls being built in place of their historic Main St and chicken statues.
Not to worry, Maisie and her two geriatric church ladies are on the case.
As they seatch for information about what is to become of their beloved town, Maisie meets Holden and things are looking up.

Excpet Holden works for the company who bought Main St...and he cant tell anyone. Oh what a tangled web...

Fun, cute, Christian romance with a touch of humor and a lot of cookies! Great read for anyone who loves a cozy romance.

I received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri Harr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a FUN small town rom-com! I loved it so much that I wish I could live there! Everybody knows everyone and nothing is a secret for long.

The characters were perfectly done. Not too many to keep up with but not too few, either. I loved the family dynamics with both main characters; her mom and his grandparents mainly.

The quirky characters in the story made it funny but also tender because both Maisie and Hudson were thoughtful and caring towards them, despite how far fetched some of their actions were.

This book is faith-filled and it came at all the right moments. It wasn’t over done in any way. It felt natural and I loved how the small town church was a focal point for many things, including a day where they gathered to go out in the community to help their neighbors who needed it.

The romance is slow and sweet. And I’m thankful for the epilogue! Perfect!

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say yet another great read by Penny Zeller.

This time we go to Cloverdale Falls where we meet Masie who runs a bakery with her mother. The book starts off with finding out all store fronts on Main Street have been sold to an unknown buyer. There is speculation of what may happen and a lot of anxiety by the business owners. Not long after she bumps into a stranger who in her mind, she calls HT for Handsome Tourist not knowing his name is Hudson.

Hudson is in Cloverdale Falls with his grandparents and also to do a survey on the businesses to see what is needed for his uncle who bought the buildings. Because he has to keep what he is doing secret he doesn't realise how much anxiety no knowing is causing the locals.

Enter two older widows Maeve and Beulah who rope Masie into investigating who bought buildings. These two are a hoot. Picture some of the English Mystery series like Rosemary and Thyme and you have a good picture of the antics. (Although Rosemary and Thyme are a little better at solving the mysteries.) I could see these two starting in a cozy mystery series. The book has a lot of quirky things happening, a chicken statue and a chicken type mascot called Henretta. Plus, the people. It's a place that would be fun to visit.

I love how the faith element is woven through the story in a subtle way. There is a lot to love about this story, and I am sure you will get a lot of laughs also. I would love to read more in this series. While this is a series this is very much a stand-alone read. If you need a read to make you laugh check this book out.

[Erin Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A town with a chicken statue, sweet and fun characters, and a quirky chicken mascot, Recipe For Love is a fun and enjoyable read. Filled with humor, strong Christian faith, and romance, this book has it all!

As I started reading recipe For Love, I immediately fell in love with the two main characters. I love Maisey’s sweet personality and how she always has time to help those in her community, even when it’s carrying out their crazy plans!

And who couldn’t help but fall in love with Hudson’s sweet personality? How he’s always there to catch Maisey when she falls (literally), and also his caring attitude towards his family, Maisey, and the rest of the town characters.

The other characters add humor and a lot of fun to the town and book. Maeve and Beulah are so much fun and I like how Penny weaves the story that you never know what those two characters are going to think of to do next.

Most of all, I love how this book is filled with strong Christian faith, and while Maisey and Hudson are in love with each other, the most important thing to them is ensuring that the other has a strong Christian faith, too.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recipe for Love
Small Town Shenanigans, Book 1
By: Penny Zeller
Narrated by: Emma Faye

Hunter has come to town to check out the property his uncle just bought on Main Street. He uses visiting his grandmother as his cover and slowly gets to know all the merchants and people of Cloverdale Falls. He has taking a liking to Maisie, the owner of the town bakery, but little does he know, she is trying to find out who has purchased the property and their intentions. These two begin to spend some time together and enjoy going out. But this secret is huge! What will happen when it comes to light? This is the first book in this series that I have listened to, and I am loving this town. Quirky characters, nosy neighbors, sweet people and a couple that is finding out just what love is! I fell in love with these two and enjoyed every minute.

Enhancing the story is the narration by Emma Faye. She is fantastic at all the characters in this story. From Maisie and Hunter to the women of the detective agency to the store keepers, each has a distinct voice and engaging personality. She is wonderful!

[Audra Christianson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to really really love this story. A new-to-me Christian author writing Christian contemporary rom-coms. I wanted this to be on par with some of the more popular authors (but are not Christian). Maybe that’s why I was disappointed, because I set my expectations too high… Nevertheless, it wasn’t what I was hoping for. It was a nice story, but never held my attention, not did I find it overly cute or funny. At the very end (SPOILER AHEAD) they get engaged. After knowing one another for a handful of months—whaaat? Their relationship in the story never went beyond surface level so that was a huge stretch for me.

I was thinking the story might appeal to the younger crowd since it was very clean and very Christian, but then that part made me pause and think that I wouldn’t want my teenage daughter reading about such a fast moving relationship that had no depth to it. I may try another book, as I really want to support Christian authors and share their material. Maybe this one just wasn’t my cup of tea.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this audiobook and I loved Coverdale Falls. A small town where everyone knew each other. There is nothing like that “hometown feel”.
Hudson was so kind to everybody even though he was investigating the town for his uncles company. They never suspected that he was the one they were searching for all the time. They were so worried their little town was going to be demolished.
I enjoyed Maisie and Hudson’s story and them getting to know each other. The little old ladies were a hoot and had to have Maisie along with them wherever they went.
A little forgiveness goes a long way when one of the little ladies keeps doing something wrong. Then all of a sudden she did something that woke her up to the fact that she needed help.
I just enjoyed every aspect of this book. I highly recommend.
I received this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Donna Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance that features a bakery. Double sweetness!
This small town Christian romance has an old-fashioned feel, a large cast of interesting characters, a smidge of mystery, and a dash of humor. I love that this quirky town of Cloverdale Falls has a chicken statue as a local landmark and draw for tourists. How fun.

At times, I felt like the story started to drag a bit, though not enough for me to put it down. The characters and the small-town charm kept me reading, and I was willing to go on a meandering journey with them. Lots of Christian content with a few lessons sprinkled throughout.

Overall, a light, fun read that inspirational fiction readers who like small town romance may enjoy.
Penny Zeller fans will be pleased with this sweet story!

I was gifted an early copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute story this is! Maisie and her Mom own a bakery shop in Cloverdale Falls, and when the whole Main Street of businesses gets sold, the ladies in charge of the town “poli-ticks” pick Maisie to find out all the juicy details. Since so many are saying everything will be torn down for a shopping mall, or worse, she begins to be as concerned as the rest of the town. When a stranger comes to town to “vacation” for a couple of weeks with his grandparents, it doesn’t look nefarious. When the man starts being very interested in Maisie, then the gossips start talking and Maisie really IS interested in the first new young man to come to town in ages!! Could he be the one God has chosen for her?? She sure does hope so!! Be sure to get this book and find out what all happens! It’s got so many hilarious situations in it! I am on the AR team and this is my honest opinion and review. 📕♥️

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming romcom read is a highly pleasing combination of drama, humor, romance, and faith. The perfectly paced plot kept me immersed in the story for its entirety. I felt that I was there in the unique small town of Cloverdale Falls enjoying the sights, shopping at the Departments Store, getting a new hairdo at Vi's beauty salon, interacting with the residents, and indulging in Maisie's delicious chocolate drop cookies! Wonderfully crafted characters, who are realistic and easy to connect with, drive the story. I love main characters Maisie and Hudson and the tender way their romantic relationship develops. Feisty, quirky widows Maeve and Beulah with their hilarious antics, especially those involving their investigations, are totally endearing and entertaining. I especially appreciate the strong, inspiring faith that flows throughout the story as a natural part of the characters' lives. I loved this fun, inspiring story and highly recommend it!
I read an early copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy small towns, sweet romance and an inspirational book, you will love this one! The author has a way of making you feel a part of the story and wishing you could live in the fictitious town she has created where people are friendly, personable, a chicken is a mascot and has a special day event around her and the best bakery is in town with famous chocolate drop cookies! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my honest opinion of it.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect beginning to a new week! I have never laughed as much when reading a book as I did with this one! The wit, the antics, the humor……hilarious! Of course there were serious moments but even then, there was the undercurrent of joy, a tribute to the unmatched gifting of this author. From the vividly described characters to the unique scenarios, this story deserves an A+++!

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 STARS! I adore small towns & this was so much fun with all the eccentric characters. Good plot, very unique! Really cute romance, & great romcom vibes. A Christian Fiction that manages to be funny & not corny or over the top.

[Amy Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm a fan!! It's funny (I smiled, chuckled, and laughed through the whole book). It's full of family and quirky, loveable small-town characters. It's full of realistic Christian faith. Noble, chivalrous men (who were homeschooled!)

[Lori Chasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book with twists and turns. The author did a wonderful job!

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet small town romance. A Hallmark Movie type of read.