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Cookies and Kisses
Loving Luke
When Kim Taylor returns to Bethlehem to run her family’s cookie shop, her life is in shambles. She’s hurting from her broken engagement, her mom’s recently died and, she’s unemployed. She also doesn’t get along with her dad. She’s always felt like she’s played second fiddle to her perfect older sister, Tina. She secretly longs for her father to love her the way he loves her sibling.
She’s stunned when Luke Barnes, her former high school boyfriend, strolls into her cookie shop.
Recently widowed, Luke Barnes has returned to Bethlehem to raise his daughter, Lisa, in a wholesome environment. When Kim offers Lisa a job in her shop, Luke is hesitant to accept. After all, Kim was wild in high school and he doesn’t want his daughter being mentored by someone with an unsavory past.
Seeing Kim causes Luke’s dormant feelings to unfurl, but, falling for Kim is not on his agenda right now. He’s determined to provide a better way of life for his daughter. Struggling to get his college degree, he’s failing calculus, and it appears that Kim is the only person who has the knack to tutor him. Can he continue to ignore their shared attraction as they work together to pass his class?
She’s stunned when Luke Barnes, her former high school boyfriend, strolls into her cookie shop.
Recently widowed, Luke Barnes has returned to Bethlehem to raise his daughter, Lisa, in a wholesome environment. When Kim offers Lisa a job in her shop, Luke is hesitant to accept. After all, Kim was wild in high school and he doesn’t want his daughter being mentored by someone with an unsavory past.
Seeing Kim causes Luke’s dormant feelings to unfurl, but, falling for Kim is not on his agenda right now. He’s determined to provide a better way of life for his daughter. Struggling to get his college degree, he’s failing calculus, and it appears that Kim is the only person who has the knack to tutor him. Can he continue to ignore their shared attraction as they work together to pass his class?
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2015
About the author
Cecelia Dowdy
33 books198 followersLoving Luke (A Christmas Novella)(Cookies and Kisses):http://amzn.to/1LjHc3o
Raspberry Kisses
A sweet, charming romance is available to order:
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I'm a Christian fiction author and I'm also a book reviewer. If interested in my novels, you can find them here:
https://www.amazon.com/Cecelia-Dowdy/...
Connect with me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ceceli...
To find out more about me, visit my website and my blogs:
http://ceceliadowdy.com/
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/
https://ceceliadowdy.com/category/hal...
Raspberry Kisses
A sweet, charming romance is available to order:
http://amzn.to/1oSyRi3
I'm a Christian fiction author and I'm also a book reviewer. If interested in my novels, you can find them here:
https://www.amazon.com/Cecelia-Dowdy/...
Connect with me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ceceli...
To find out more about me, visit my website and my blogs:
http://ceceliadowdy.com/
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/
https://ceceliadowdy.com/category/hal...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 1, 2016
I loved this sweet Christmas novella! Kim has moved back to her hometown, and so has her high school boyfriend, Luke. This is a great story about second chances. I felt like I got to know the characters and see into their relationships and their motivations. I don't always feel that way when reading a novella. I liked the way faith was brought into their relationship and decisions. The setting -- how could I not like a bakery setting and a heroine that bakes incredible cookies?! And the recipe for her famous vanilla cookies is given at the end of the story. Gotta love that!
There are just a few places where the wrong name was used (editing misses), but I knew who they were talking about and it didn't bother me.
This is the first story I've read by this author. It definitely won't be the last, because since reading this story, I've already bought another of her books! So, clearly, I would recommend this novella!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
There are just a few places where the wrong name was used (editing misses), but I knew who they were talking about and it didn't bother me.
This is the first story I've read by this author. It definitely won't be the last, because since reading this story, I've already bought another of her books! So, clearly, I would recommend this novella!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2015
While interesting and vivid "Loving Luke" I felt was dull at times and lacked enthusiasm and reality. The two main characters where nice and I liked Luke's daughter Lisa, the back plot was good and I did see myself in Bethlehem with the characters, but the story felt rushed and cheesy at times like the author was trying to make up as many hard luck past stories as possible just for the sake of hard luck past stories.
The wording in many spots was repetitive and choppy and I was constantly mentally rewording paragraphs to how I thought they should be.
Overall I give it two stars for a good effort but I think it needs some work and re-editing.
The wording in many spots was repetitive and choppy and I was constantly mentally rewording paragraphs to how I thought they should be.
Overall I give it two stars for a good effort but I think it needs some work and re-editing.
December 29, 2015
I loved this story because I love how God gives us all second chances! Kim and Luke had each made bad choices before becoming Christians, but God brought them back together again after they both accepted Him, and gave them a second chance at love. I love Christmas stories, and loved how God reunited them at this season when He gave His only Son so we all could have a second chance. Also liked the fun Christmas cookie exchange at the end with her friends who advised her. Highly recommend.
October 1, 2015
Another great read by Cecelia Dowdy! A great love story between Kim, Luke and Luke's daughter Lisa.
August 11, 2018
Plot:
There isn't an action packed plot, as the cover hints, but is more of a nice, cozy romance. Honestly, this is the first romance centered novel I've read, and let me tell you, it will not be the last! At times while reading this book, I has to put it down and start fangirling for a good few minutes.
Writing:
I absolutely love Cecilia Dowdy's writing style. It flows onto the page and is so complex, and easily understandable.
Characters:
I truly loved the main characters; Kim and Luke. The one thing I noticed, is that Luke spoke his mind. You didn't have to wait half the book for him to speak his mind to Kim, and I really liked that. Another thing, sometimes Luke spoke his mind a wee bit to much. I'm really surprised some of the things he said didn't infuriate Kim; it would have me. Thankfully, this was rare and didn't bother me at all.
Overall:
Wow! This was an incredible book! I'm really glad this is what I started out with in the romance genre. I completely devoured this book. I really wish there was a physical copy of this book; I would totally buy it.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to girls that are mature, and 12+. It has minor content, only memories though. It is purely Christian, so nothing to worry about. If you're looking for a warm, cozy, love able, adorable story, look no further.
*I received a free, digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion at all.
There isn't an action packed plot, as the cover hints, but is more of a nice, cozy romance. Honestly, this is the first romance centered novel I've read, and let me tell you, it will not be the last! At times while reading this book, I has to put it down and start fangirling for a good few minutes.
Writing:
I absolutely love Cecilia Dowdy's writing style. It flows onto the page and is so complex, and easily understandable.
Characters:
I truly loved the main characters; Kim and Luke. The one thing I noticed, is that Luke spoke his mind. You didn't have to wait half the book for him to speak his mind to Kim, and I really liked that. Another thing, sometimes Luke spoke his mind a wee bit to much. I'm really surprised some of the things he said didn't infuriate Kim; it would have me. Thankfully, this was rare and didn't bother me at all.
Overall:
Wow! This was an incredible book! I'm really glad this is what I started out with in the romance genre. I completely devoured this book. I really wish there was a physical copy of this book; I would totally buy it.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to girls that are mature, and 12+. It has minor content, only memories though. It is purely Christian, so nothing to worry about. If you're looking for a warm, cozy, love able, adorable story, look no further.
*I received a free, digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion at all.
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November 28, 2015Loving Luke – Cecelia Dowdy
Kim returns to her hometown of Bethlehem to help run her father's bakery. She really doesn't want to return but her Dad needs her. Luke, her high school ex boyfriend shows up at the bakery........
Kim does;t know if she can trust again. While Luke needs help with a problem.... will love find them again?
This is a very short read that I really enjoyed. I smiled through the whole story. When you have God and prayer everything well work out for the good. The characters were well developed and I loved them. I want to see more from this story developed.
Kim returns to her hometown of Bethlehem to help run her father's bakery. She really doesn't want to return but her Dad needs her. Luke, her high school ex boyfriend shows up at the bakery........
Kim does;t know if she can trust again. While Luke needs help with a problem.... will love find them again?
This is a very short read that I really enjoyed. I smiled through the whole story. When you have God and prayer everything well work out for the good. The characters were well developed and I loved them. I want to see more from this story developed.
September 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. It was a delightful read following Luke, a single dad with a delightful little daughter named Lisa, and Kim, his girlfriend from high school, in their journey to seeing if they could put their pasts behind them and find a future together. It is a heartwarming story showing how God can change lives and that He a God of second chances. This is another one from this author that I certainly recommend.
September 23, 2015
Oh my, oh my, oh my, what a wonderful story. My heart hurt for Kim as we find out what her love life has been like since leaving high school. It was tough reading about her relationship with her father and how she felt about it. Luke's return causes old feelings to arise and Kim must deal with her past in order to move on with her future. Could relate to quite a bit in this story and, as with any good story, I was able to heal something in my life as well. Highly recommend this story.
October 6, 2015
A cute second chance romance . My first read by this author but I would read more by her.
September 26, 2015
Loving Luke is a sweet Christmas novella about second chances.
I loved the characters and the bakery setting.
An added bonus is theVanilla Cookies receipe.
I loved the characters and the bakery setting.
An added bonus is theVanilla Cookies receipe.
December 20, 2018
YOU NEED TO GIVE LOVE A CHANCE
The story is a sweet but very emotional second chance romance. High school sweethearts that were both acting wild and sneaking around to be with each other, and then he disappears. It’s been nearly ten years since Kim has seen Luke, and then he walks into her parent’s bakery.
“Being in love was like a toxic disease, and she didn’t know when she’d have the courage to fall in love again. Why couldn’t God lift this awful pain? How long would it take for her to heal?”
Kim Taylor has moved back to Bethlehem, back to her parent’s house, and helping her dad with the bakery. She is not really happy, there is jealousy because of how her father treats her compared to her sister, and it is like no matter what she does, it’s never good enough. She hasn’t shared some of what is bothering her, including her heartache. Her Dad seems to still remind her of what she did wrong as a teenager, and not seeing what she has done right as an adult.
Luke Barnes and Kim were hot and heavy in high school, sneaking around together, even having sex. When he and his mother left town, he doesn’t even say goodbye to Kim, and that really hurt her. But now he is back, a widower and the father of a little girl, Lisa, who wants to work in the bakery with Kim. Luke works during the day and is also taking college classes, knowing that to give his daughter a better life, he needs a degree. Struggling with Calculous, he will find a tutor when Kim learns he needs help, and she is a CPA.
Fast forward nearly ten years and both Kim and Luke are different people, both have matured, and both of them have also found Christ and living their lives as a Christian. They know they are imperfect people who each made mistakes, but God has forgiven them, and they need to move forward. The more time they spend together, the closer they are becoming. Will they be able to put the hurt of the past behind them and make a go at a second chance? Will some of the heartache they each endured hinder them from moving forward or will they be able to see that they have each grown because of Christ?
The story is full of truths and morals. Nothing is solved by stewing over it, and when open, honest conversations take place, each party has a clearer picture, especially when they don’t realize the hurt they may be causing. Life is full of mistakes, and forgiveness, and second chances at happiness. You can either live your life in fear of what happened in the past, what could happen, or you can embrace each day as a gift and make it perfect, by being present.
The story is a sweet but very emotional second chance romance. High school sweethearts that were both acting wild and sneaking around to be with each other, and then he disappears. It’s been nearly ten years since Kim has seen Luke, and then he walks into her parent’s bakery.
“Being in love was like a toxic disease, and she didn’t know when she’d have the courage to fall in love again. Why couldn’t God lift this awful pain? How long would it take for her to heal?”
Kim Taylor has moved back to Bethlehem, back to her parent’s house, and helping her dad with the bakery. She is not really happy, there is jealousy because of how her father treats her compared to her sister, and it is like no matter what she does, it’s never good enough. She hasn’t shared some of what is bothering her, including her heartache. Her Dad seems to still remind her of what she did wrong as a teenager, and not seeing what she has done right as an adult.
Luke Barnes and Kim were hot and heavy in high school, sneaking around together, even having sex. When he and his mother left town, he doesn’t even say goodbye to Kim, and that really hurt her. But now he is back, a widower and the father of a little girl, Lisa, who wants to work in the bakery with Kim. Luke works during the day and is also taking college classes, knowing that to give his daughter a better life, he needs a degree. Struggling with Calculous, he will find a tutor when Kim learns he needs help, and she is a CPA.
Fast forward nearly ten years and both Kim and Luke are different people, both have matured, and both of them have also found Christ and living their lives as a Christian. They know they are imperfect people who each made mistakes, but God has forgiven them, and they need to move forward. The more time they spend together, the closer they are becoming. Will they be able to put the hurt of the past behind them and make a go at a second chance? Will some of the heartache they each endured hinder them from moving forward or will they be able to see that they have each grown because of Christ?
The story is full of truths and morals. Nothing is solved by stewing over it, and when open, honest conversations take place, each party has a clearer picture, especially when they don’t realize the hurt they may be causing. Life is full of mistakes, and forgiveness, and second chances at happiness. You can either live your life in fear of what happened in the past, what could happen, or you can embrace each day as a gift and make it perfect, by being present.
June 28, 2020
Loving Luke by Cecelia Dowdy
This story starts out with Kim and she had returned from the city where she had just gotten fired, along with everybody else and was helping her father at the family bakery.
Story also follows Luke and he's going through tough times as he lost his wife and is raising Lisa by himself. They get Kim to mentor Lisa at the bakery. Luke is trying to improve his life by taking college classes at night but he just can't do math.
He fixes the bakery oven by looking up things are youtube, love the technology mention, and he asks Kim to help him with calculus.
They do spend time at her father's house and when they wake him up he tells his daughter not to date Luke...
Love hearing of the things the girlfriends all day after the holidays, so precious.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts out with Kim and she had returned from the city where she had just gotten fired, along with everybody else and was helping her father at the family bakery.
Story also follows Luke and he's going through tough times as he lost his wife and is raising Lisa by himself. They get Kim to mentor Lisa at the bakery. Luke is trying to improve his life by taking college classes at night but he just can't do math.
He fixes the bakery oven by looking up things are youtube, love the technology mention, and he asks Kim to help him with calculus.
They do spend time at her father's house and when they wake him up he tells his daughter not to date Luke...
Love hearing of the things the girlfriends all day after the holidays, so precious.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
April 27, 2026
Enjoyable Clean Romance
Initial review:
Easy to read, was read in one sitting
Its book 1 or a 6-part series
A nice introduction to a new Christian author
Book overview:
After a abrupt ending to their relationship 8 years ago, Luke and Kim find themselves back in their childhood town of Bethlehem
Kim has come back after a broken engagement and Luke after his wife passes away from a car accident.
Luke has a beautiful daughter lisa who loves to bake , whilst he is back , he attends late night classes to obtain his college degree.
Kim is working at her parents’ bakery whilst she figures out her next steps in live
Will Kim allow Luke to love her after their shaky passed
Read the story to find out
Initial review:
Easy to read, was read in one sitting
Its book 1 or a 6-part series
A nice introduction to a new Christian author
Book overview:
After a abrupt ending to their relationship 8 years ago, Luke and Kim find themselves back in their childhood town of Bethlehem
Kim has come back after a broken engagement and Luke after his wife passes away from a car accident.
Luke has a beautiful daughter lisa who loves to bake , whilst he is back , he attends late night classes to obtain his college degree.
Kim is working at her parents’ bakery whilst she figures out her next steps in live
Will Kim allow Luke to love her after their shaky passed
Read the story to find out
January 23, 2023
This is the first I've read of Cecelia Dowdy. I found this novella to be an entertaining read. The writer's easy-to-read style, well-developed characters, and storyline kept me engaged in the story.
If you enjoy a sweet, clean romance and a story about second chances, this is for you. The Christian aspect of turning all things over to God is prevalent. I found myself rooting for the main characters and their struggle with a relationship for the second time. Add a broken heart from the first time around and you have some tense moments.
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway from the author. All opinions are my own.
If you enjoy a sweet, clean romance and a story about second chances, this is for you. The Christian aspect of turning all things over to God is prevalent. I found myself rooting for the main characters and their struggle with a relationship for the second time. Add a broken heart from the first time around and you have some tense moments.
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2026
Sweet second chance romance story. Luke and Kim were high school sweethearts and both a bit on the wild side. They have now both returned home for different reasons after being separated for many years. Luke has been married, lost his wife in a car accident, and has a young daughter. Kim was engaged, but found her fiance was having an affair with another woman. Both have found peace in becoming Christians. Can they find a new start for a permanent relationship, or will their differences keep them apart?
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April 27, 2026another adventure into the world of christian contemporary romances! i’m excited to keep exploring! this one was a novella so definitely just not enough time with the characters. this also takes place over christmas lol. not overly christmas-y so really can be read whenever, it’s just the start of this series and even tho reading in order is not required, i like to 😭 as of right now i do plan on continuing the series and seeing how i vibe with the author for a full length novel.
June 4, 2021
I am so excited to read this series from begining to end. Loving Luke is an excellent read. Kim and Luke have serious history from High School and are now both back in their hometown. Kim not only needs to reconcile her feelings for Luke, but also her issues with her father before she can see a future. I adore the way this author takes us in this journey!
June 8, 2021
This is a new to me author and boy am I hooked. This was such a sweet story. The characters are so lovable. I loved that Kim let Lisa work in her bakery and took her under her wing. These chracters just fit so well together. I also love that their faith is so strong. I can't wait to read the next book
December 13, 2025
Loving Luke, Kim and Lisa!! 🥰
This was a wonderful short story about love, lost and found, family, growing, grief and prayers for it all come to full circle!!
I absolutely loved this and highly recommend it! I will definitely go back and read about Rhea and Martin in “Raspberry Kisses!” Sounds lovely!! Kudos, Cecelia! 💜
This was a wonderful short story about love, lost and found, family, growing, grief and prayers for it all come to full circle!!
I absolutely loved this and highly recommend it! I will definitely go back and read about Rhea and Martin in “Raspberry Kisses!” Sounds lovely!! Kudos, Cecelia! 💜
July 31, 2024
A really great story!
Wow this author is really an awesome writer. This is very light and uplifting to read. I sat and read it straight through until the end because it was so good. I believe everyone will enjoy reading this book.
Wow this author is really an awesome writer. This is very light and uplifting to read. I sat and read it straight through until the end because it was so good. I believe everyone will enjoy reading this book.
May 7, 2026
Kim and Luke
A sweet short story of finding love again
Luke and Kim were childhood sweethearts
They both left the small town they lived in and returned eight years later
The storyline was wonderful and their journey to their HEA was great
Fantastic job Cecelia
A sweet short story of finding love again
Luke and Kim were childhood sweethearts
They both left the small town they lived in and returned eight years later
The storyline was wonderful and their journey to their HEA was great
Fantastic job Cecelia
February 16, 2020
Loved this book
I've loved every book in the bakery series. Patiently awaiting more. You are now one of my favorite authors. Be blessed and continue writing....
I've loved every book in the bakery series. Patiently awaiting more. You are now one of my favorite authors. Be blessed and continue writing....
August 15, 2022
Great romance of second chances. Loved that the book took place during the Christmas holiday. Kim and Luke's romance was very good, how they got past all the early things that happened to them.
November 15, 2022
Received a copy from the author, I've read some of her other books also. This one was a fast read and another one that I enjoyed!
December 10, 2025
Sweet Story
This is such a sweet little story. It reminds us to put God first and that love still exists today.
This is such a sweet little story. It reminds us to put God first and that love still exists today.
December 16, 2025
Cute short story. I like it was set over Christmas time.
March 29, 2026
Cute hallmark style romance of Kim & Luke. Healing high school hurt and deciding if they can rekindle past love.
July 21, 2026
Good read, short and to the point. A second chance at love and marriage.
February 17, 2026
Good, fast, read!
November 21, 2021
Great story
I loved the theme of second chances. Romans 8:28 was brought to my mind while reading. They two people, Kim and Luke were not finished baking as teenagers and matured as adults. They came together at the right times in their lives.
I loved the theme of second chances. Romans 8:28 was brought to my mind while reading. They two people, Kim and Luke were not finished baking as teenagers and matured as adults. They came together at the right times in their lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews