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Whisked Away At Christmas: A feel-good second-chance holiday romance set in Vienna
Not yet published
Expected 2 Nov 26'Cosy, romantic and utterly charming' - NATASHA HASTINGS
'Swoony...swept me away like it was a fairy tale' - LIZZIE HUXLEY-JONES
'A real treat all round' - CHLOE TIMMS
✦ A feel-good second-chance holiday romance set in Vienna ✦Falling for the competition could be the perfect recipe for disaster…
Pastry chef Gina Rajasinghe has landed the opportunity she’s been dreaming of, a place at the international Golden Whisk Christmas pastry competition in Vienna. The only problem? Her application includes Le Cordon Bleu training she doesn’t actually have.
But Gina is determined to prove she deserves her place. Then the competition decides to televise the heats and, worse, she spots Nick Barradine. Fellow competitor, social media sensation...and the only person who knows her secret. They haven’t talked in three years, not since Gina left her job at his family’s London patisserie without explanation and ignored Nick’s calls. She still can’t tell him why.
Their reunion ends in a heated argument and an exploding bag of flour, all secretly caught on camera. When their showdown goes viral, Gina and Nick are forced to play nice for the cameras. With staged chemistry turning dangerously real and the final at the Christmas ball approaching, falling for the competition could be the perfect recipe for disaster.
READER REVIEWS
‘Loved this story didn’t want it to end’ ★★★★★
‘Characters felt very real, the setting in Vienna at Christmas was magical’ ★★★★★
‘If you are fan of Bake Off and Christmas then this is the listen you need!’ ★★★★★
‘Phenomenal’ ★★★★★
‘Sumptuously written’ ★★★★★
‘The perfect Christmas read’ ★★★★★ ‘
'Swoony...swept me away like it was a fairy tale' - LIZZIE HUXLEY-JONES
'A real treat all round' - CHLOE TIMMS
✦ A feel-good second-chance holiday romance set in Vienna ✦Falling for the competition could be the perfect recipe for disaster…
Pastry chef Gina Rajasinghe has landed the opportunity she’s been dreaming of, a place at the international Golden Whisk Christmas pastry competition in Vienna. The only problem? Her application includes Le Cordon Bleu training she doesn’t actually have.
But Gina is determined to prove she deserves her place. Then the competition decides to televise the heats and, worse, she spots Nick Barradine. Fellow competitor, social media sensation...and the only person who knows her secret. They haven’t talked in three years, not since Gina left her job at his family’s London patisserie without explanation and ignored Nick’s calls. She still can’t tell him why.
Their reunion ends in a heated argument and an exploding bag of flour, all secretly caught on camera. When their showdown goes viral, Gina and Nick are forced to play nice for the cameras. With staged chemistry turning dangerously real and the final at the Christmas ball approaching, falling for the competition could be the perfect recipe for disaster.
READER REVIEWS
‘Loved this story didn’t want it to end’ ★★★★★
‘Characters felt very real, the setting in Vienna at Christmas was magical’ ★★★★★
‘If you are fan of Bake Off and Christmas then this is the listen you need!’ ★★★★★
‘Phenomenal’ ★★★★★
‘Sumptuously written’ ★★★★★
‘The perfect Christmas read’ ★★★★★ ‘
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Spoiler: This was so cosy, the whole atmosphere of the book was incredible.
I loved the idea of this book - two bakers and former colleagues with a bad history meeting again while competing in the most prestigious baking competition. As someone who loves baking shows, this made me so excited while reading the book. I loved everything that had to do with the baking in here: learning about the desserts they were making, the techniques they were using. Plus, they were in Vienna during Christmas time, so the setting could not get any better.
Between all these elements, the book covered some very relevant themes too, like racism, inequality and how hard (and important) it is to believe in yourself, even when nobody else does. And Gina, the fmc, has really been through it. The daughter of a strict Asian family, with a sister who seemed to do everything right, Gina's life choices proved how strong and ambitious she was. She taught herself how to bake, and she did not stop until she became the best. She followed her passion and did everything she could to improve and achieve her dreams.
Nick came from pastry royalty. His dad had a Michelin star and was considered one of the best in the industry. So of course Nick lost himself in his father's shadow after his passing. It was so great seeing him grow more confident in his ideas as the competition went on. He went from staying in a safe place to being more adventurous and exploring with his baking.
However, the plot was less than perfect for me. I found it so hard to believe that such a prestigious baking competition would not have looked into her background and training. I could not understand how she got away with lying on her application and to everyone there. The truth was bound to come out, but the consequences did not feel like enough for what she did. She was no longer the winner of the competition, and that was it. It felt very rushed, and it did not live up to the tension that was built up throughout the book.
The other thing that was not believable to me was that three other contestants tried to sabotage her. It was very far-fetched, and I do not understand how a competition at this level never noticed.
The conflict between the fmc and the mmc could have been solved if they just sat down and had one honest conversation, but instead they just dragged it out and got mad at each other. They were meant to be adults, but were acting like a pair of teenagers.
Still, overall I enjoyed the book. It was fun, cosy and made me want to start baking.
Spoiler: This was so cosy, the whole atmosphere of the book was incredible.
I loved the idea of this book - two bakers and former colleagues with a bad history meeting again while competing in the most prestigious baking competition. As someone who loves baking shows, this made me so excited while reading the book. I loved everything that had to do with the baking in here: learning about the desserts they were making, the techniques they were using. Plus, they were in Vienna during Christmas time, so the setting could not get any better.
Between all these elements, the book covered some very relevant themes too, like racism, inequality and how hard (and important) it is to believe in yourself, even when nobody else does. And Gina, the fmc, has really been through it. The daughter of a strict Asian family, with a sister who seemed to do everything right, Gina's life choices proved how strong and ambitious she was. She taught herself how to bake, and she did not stop until she became the best. She followed her passion and did everything she could to improve and achieve her dreams.
Nick came from pastry royalty. His dad had a Michelin star and was considered one of the best in the industry. So of course Nick lost himself in his father's shadow after his passing. It was so great seeing him grow more confident in his ideas as the competition went on. He went from staying in a safe place to being more adventurous and exploring with his baking.
However, the plot was less than perfect for me. I found it so hard to believe that such a prestigious baking competition would not have looked into her background and training. I could not understand how she got away with lying on her application and to everyone there. The truth was bound to come out, but the consequences did not feel like enough for what she did. She was no longer the winner of the competition, and that was it. It felt very rushed, and it did not live up to the tension that was built up throughout the book.
The other thing that was not believable to me was that three other contestants tried to sabotage her. It was very far-fetched, and I do not understand how a competition at this level never noticed.
The conflict between the fmc and the mmc could have been solved if they just sat down and had one honest conversation, but instead they just dragged it out and got mad at each other. They were meant to be adults, but were acting like a pair of teenagers.
Still, overall I enjoyed the book. It was fun, cosy and made me want to start baking.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
First I would like to thank Love Notes PR for providing me with an early copy of this book. However, this will not effect my review.
Second of all.... I BINGED this book. I had so much fun reading it. Gina and Nick are so nice. My only complain: the story could have been longer (and I don't say that often).
Second of all.... I BINGED this book. I had so much fun reading it. Gina and Nick are so nice. My only complain: the story could have been longer (and I don't say that often).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whisked Away At Christmas 👼🏻
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Mahi Cheshire for trusting me with this ARC!🦌
Gina Rajasinghe's luck finally smiled at her & Golden Whisk Christmas pastry competition here she comes!
But,under the yellow Vienna lights she will be called not only to defend her place,but stand on top of it,when she is the only one who knows how fragile the building under her is.
Cherry on top,the man who she has not spoken to in three years is here,& ready to destroy her,
Now she has to survive,bake and be the winner,unless she wants to lose everything.Forever.
That was one of the most coziest Christmas romances I have read in a moment.Period.
The sweets,the pastries,the cinnamon smell all around the shop was the was Cheshire greeted us in her latest novel,& when,I tell you after just a few lines I was SAT & ready to begin reading this beautiful story.
Her writing was magical,exactly what a story such as this new needs,the words flew and stuck really well the one after an other,with leaving on the epilogue before I could even understand it.However,between flour,sugar,and the Vienna Opera,really important themes were discussed such as racism,inequalities,trust and the cost of believing in yourself when no one does.
In the last one,our main character Gina,was unfortunately an expert.Leaving her stable studies that were fully funded to go after our dream in an strict Asian family takes courage,will and strength.Three aspects that not only can define that girl,but also made her who she is today.Gina is one of the fmcs I could read 1000 pages about and not get tired,because at the same time all those things happened to her but she did not lose her smile and her love for baking.
Yet,when everything somehow started clicking into place,someone from her past comes to wreck it all or maybe put it together.Yes,I am talking about Nick ❤️🔥 ,THAT MAN.I can say that he is complicated character and for most of the book I could not look at him with certainty that I liked him or not.But in the end,yes he got me on his side,so yes,he was it boy by the end.
Wrapping it all up,this will be a definite reread,but this time on a snowy day in December,with a hot cinnamon roll and hot cup of cocoa on the side. aka the PERFECT seasonal read!🎄
Out On Nov,2nd ❄️
4⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Mahi Cheshire for trusting me with this ARC!🦌
Gina Rajasinghe's luck finally smiled at her & Golden Whisk Christmas pastry competition here she comes!
But,under the yellow Vienna lights she will be called not only to defend her place,but stand on top of it,when she is the only one who knows how fragile the building under her is.
Cherry on top,the man who she has not spoken to in three years is here,& ready to destroy her,
Now she has to survive,bake and be the winner,unless she wants to lose everything.Forever.
That was one of the most coziest Christmas romances I have read in a moment.Period.
The sweets,the pastries,the cinnamon smell all around the shop was the was Cheshire greeted us in her latest novel,& when,I tell you after just a few lines I was SAT & ready to begin reading this beautiful story.
Her writing was magical,exactly what a story such as this new needs,the words flew and stuck really well the one after an other,with leaving on the epilogue before I could even understand it.However,between flour,sugar,and the Vienna Opera,really important themes were discussed such as racism,inequalities,trust and the cost of believing in yourself when no one does.
In the last one,our main character Gina,was unfortunately an expert.Leaving her stable studies that were fully funded to go after our dream in an strict Asian family takes courage,will and strength.Three aspects that not only can define that girl,but also made her who she is today.Gina is one of the fmcs I could read 1000 pages about and not get tired,because at the same time all those things happened to her but she did not lose her smile and her love for baking.
Yet,when everything somehow started clicking into place,someone from her past comes to wreck it all or maybe put it together.Yes,I am talking about Nick ❤️🔥 ,THAT MAN.I can say that he is complicated character and for most of the book I could not look at him with certainty that I liked him or not.But in the end,yes he got me on his side,so yes,he was it boy by the end.
Wrapping it all up,this will be a definite reread,but this time on a snowy day in December,with a hot cinnamon roll and hot cup of cocoa on the side. aka the PERFECT seasonal read!🎄
Out On Nov,2nd ❄️
4⭐
Review of advance copy
First I want to thank LovenotesPR team for the ARC in return for an honest review!
I will say this book did take some time for me to get in to.
Nick has been accepted to be a judge in the competition for The Golden Whisk. Nick feels his duty is to follow his dad and granddad in being the next in line to receive The Golden Whisk.
So he makes an adjustment to being able to compete and not be a judge.
Gina has been accepted to be a competitor as well, but we find out him and Gina have a past, and seeing each other after three years makes things interesting. Gina has lied her way to get into the competition, so during this time they are competing when things come to light. Nick and Gina experience stress as they have to figure what they are going to do to be able to keep competing. Nicks manager Alex is behind some false rumors and starts putting stories in articles where everything comes to light.
They have a hard time working around articles and trying to rekindle a relationship that was once almost there, but in the midst of all this Gina shares the truth behind what happened those years ago. Another competitor, Peter has also caught them behind the scenes and submitting photos to be released during competition. Things take a turn when one contestant receives the award and all the truth comes out!
I will say this book did take time to get into but I was glad I finished it! It was good, I did give it 3-1/2 stars but I’m not sure if something was missing or if I needed more to the story but to me a lot was going on in this one to not get too much backstory on certain events! If you are wanting something different with a little romance, some competition and spoiler alert a few recipes shared at the end then this is for you!
Thank you again LovenotePR for the opportunity to read this story of Gina and Nick!
I will say this book did take some time for me to get in to.
Nick has been accepted to be a judge in the competition for The Golden Whisk. Nick feels his duty is to follow his dad and granddad in being the next in line to receive The Golden Whisk.
So he makes an adjustment to being able to compete and not be a judge.
Gina has been accepted to be a competitor as well, but we find out him and Gina have a past, and seeing each other after three years makes things interesting. Gina has lied her way to get into the competition, so during this time they are competing when things come to light. Nick and Gina experience stress as they have to figure what they are going to do to be able to keep competing. Nicks manager Alex is behind some false rumors and starts putting stories in articles where everything comes to light.
They have a hard time working around articles and trying to rekindle a relationship that was once almost there, but in the midst of all this Gina shares the truth behind what happened those years ago. Another competitor, Peter has also caught them behind the scenes and submitting photos to be released during competition. Things take a turn when one contestant receives the award and all the truth comes out!
I will say this book did take time to get into but I was glad I finished it! It was good, I did give it 3-1/2 stars but I’m not sure if something was missing or if I needed more to the story but to me a lot was going on in this one to not get too much backstory on certain events! If you are wanting something different with a little romance, some competition and spoiler alert a few recipes shared at the end then this is for you!
Thank you again LovenotePR for the opportunity to read this story of Gina and Nick!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2026
First of all, I want to say thank you to the author for the ARC!
I really struggled with rating this one. At the end of the day I did enjoy the book overall. I love Christmas and I love baking shows so it was so fun to live that vicariously through this story. I had high hopes that I would love this book as well, but it fell a little flat for me.
My biggest complaint was the ending. Gina has this big secret throughout the entire book and it’s so obvious it’s going to blow up in her face eventually. Not only did it feel a little too tense the entire book waiting for it to happen, but when it did, that was just kind of it? There were some consequences but only a handful of pages after the truth came out. It felt very rushed and lacking.
There were also some typos and other grammatical errors that weren’t abundant but common enough to be noticeable.
I wouldn’t say this was a bad book, it had redeeming elements such as the scenery and atmosphere of the competition. I was very gripped by the story and how most of it played out, i just felt very unsatisfied by the end.
I really struggled with rating this one. At the end of the day I did enjoy the book overall. I love Christmas and I love baking shows so it was so fun to live that vicariously through this story. I had high hopes that I would love this book as well, but it fell a little flat for me.
My biggest complaint was the ending. Gina has this big secret throughout the entire book and it’s so obvious it’s going to blow up in her face eventually. Not only did it feel a little too tense the entire book waiting for it to happen, but when it did, that was just kind of it? There were some consequences but only a handful of pages after the truth came out. It felt very rushed and lacking.
There were also some typos and other grammatical errors that weren’t abundant but common enough to be noticeable.
I wouldn’t say this was a bad book, it had redeeming elements such as the scenery and atmosphere of the competition. I was very gripped by the story and how most of it played out, i just felt very unsatisfied by the end.
Review of advance copy
I want to thank Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I didn't feel it hit the right notes.
The MMC and FMC needed to just talk to each other! They were both very childish to say they were meant to be professional adults, not teenagers. Their first kiss came out of nowhere and just felt flat, it felt like there wasn't much passion or enthusiasm there.
I fail to believe the competition wouldn't have looked into Gina's background and training.
The fact that three different people seemed to be attempting to sabotage Gina for different reasons just felt so far-fetched.
The descriptions of food and baking were just so long I found myself skipping over them.
Finally, I felt that the book could have benefitted from some editing. The punctuation was messy in places, and there were occasional sentences which made little sense.
I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I didn't feel it hit the right notes.
The MMC and FMC needed to just talk to each other! They were both very childish to say they were meant to be professional adults, not teenagers. Their first kiss came out of nowhere and just felt flat, it felt like there wasn't much passion or enthusiasm there.
I fail to believe the competition wouldn't have looked into Gina's background and training.
The fact that three different people seemed to be attempting to sabotage Gina for different reasons just felt so far-fetched.
The descriptions of food and baking were just so long I found myself skipping over them.
Finally, I felt that the book could have benefitted from some editing. The punctuation was messy in places, and there were occasional sentences which made little sense.
October 28, 2026
Review of advanced copy
First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC of this book🤍
This was such a cute and cozy Christmas read, filled with festive vibes, baking, and romance. It definitely had all the ingredients for a perfect holiday story, which is why I’m a little sad to say that it unfortunately wasn’t quite for me. As much as I wanted to love this book, I found myself struggling to really get into the story. I don’t know exactly what it was, but something just didn’t fully click for me, and I had a hard time connecting with it the way I hoped I would.That being said, I still appreciated the cozy atmosphere and the sweet Christmas vibes throughout the book. I can definitely see why other readers would enjoy it!
If you love cozy Christmas romances, baking competitions, and a little bit of drama mixed with romance, I think this one might be right up your alley!🎄✨
Even though it wasn’t completely my cup of tea, I’m still grateful I had the opportunity to read it.
First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC of this book🤍
This was such a cute and cozy Christmas read, filled with festive vibes, baking, and romance. It definitely had all the ingredients for a perfect holiday story, which is why I’m a little sad to say that it unfortunately wasn’t quite for me. As much as I wanted to love this book, I found myself struggling to really get into the story. I don’t know exactly what it was, but something just didn’t fully click for me, and I had a hard time connecting with it the way I hoped I would.That being said, I still appreciated the cozy atmosphere and the sweet Christmas vibes throughout the book. I can definitely see why other readers would enjoy it!
If you love cozy Christmas romances, baking competitions, and a little bit of drama mixed with romance, I think this one might be right up your alley!🎄✨
Even though it wasn’t completely my cup of tea, I’m still grateful I had the opportunity to read it.
Review of advance copy
3 stars!! arc review <3
gina and nick manage to participate on the one and only golden whisk christmas pastry competition ! but they share a secret… gina didn’t fulfill the application’s requirement but she doesn’t understand why nick would join the competition since his dad was a famous chef but all she cares about is winning and making sure the truth doesn’t come out.
during the story we learn that gina actually worked with nick before! but they had a falling out… and now they need to do everything to keep in the competition.
this story was cute and i loved how nick found his passion again while also giving the space for gina to do what she had to do.
thank you to mahi cheshire and love notes pr for the arc in exchange for an honest review !
gina and nick manage to participate on the one and only golden whisk christmas pastry competition ! but they share a secret… gina didn’t fulfill the application’s requirement but she doesn’t understand why nick would join the competition since his dad was a famous chef but all she cares about is winning and making sure the truth doesn’t come out.
during the story we learn that gina actually worked with nick before! but they had a falling out… and now they need to do everything to keep in the competition.
this story was cute and i loved how nick found his passion again while also giving the space for gina to do what she had to do.
thank you to mahi cheshire and love notes pr for the arc in exchange for an honest review !
October 26, 2026
This was a cute little ARC read thanks to @lovenotes.pr It tells the story of Alex and Gina who both manage to gain places on an prestigious and well known patisserie competition - it’s giving Bake Off vibes.
As the story unfolds, as does their history and backstory. Set in Vienna against a Christmassy backdrop this is the perfect story to start the Christmas season with. The supporting characters are well written and the idea of a woman trying to prove herself in a male dominated industry is a subplot that doesn’t feel contrived; if anything the author could probably have made more of it. Overall, a fun, frothy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Whisked Away at Christmas by Mahi Cheshire
This was my first time reading Mahi Cheshire, and while this book was a fun read, it just didn’t hit all the right notes for me. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the story, as the lengthy descriptions of food and baking took away from my enjoyment. I also wasn’t a fan of the ending, which left me feeling a little disappointed.
While this one wasn’t quite the right fit for me, I appreciate the opportunity to give it a read!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity. ❤️
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was my first time reading Mahi Cheshire, and while this book was a fun read, it just didn’t hit all the right notes for me. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the story, as the lengthy descriptions of food and baking took away from my enjoyment. I also wasn’t a fan of the ending, which left me feeling a little disappointed.
While this one wasn’t quite the right fit for me, I appreciate the opportunity to give it a read!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity. ❤️
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 27, 2026
This was an interesting, enjoyable read that is set during a baking competition. I liked that we got glimpses of Gina and Nick's past. But then we get to find out what really happened that caused their rift I couldn't help but want to get into the pages of this book and cause harm to that person that lead to them not talking for a long time. There were times I wanted to shake both MCs as they were not thinking clearly. I know when I feel like that that the author is secretly laughing lol.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews