From Scratch

by C.E. Hilbert

Maggie McKitrick loves everything about her new life in Gibson’s Run, Ohio—her charming bakery, her quirky customers, her distance from the past. Yes, she loves everything…except her new landlord. Police Chief Sean Taylor is like a piece of sand in an oyster—irritating, but with the promise of something beautiful. Despite Maggie’s self-imposed man-fast, she wonders what kind of treasure she and the lawman could create together.

Sean Taylor likes to keep the peace, but his new tenant is making it nearly impossible to keep anything on an even keel—including his heart. Despite her sassy attitude, Sean is drawn to the beautiful pastry chef and has an overwhelming need to serve and protect her.

As Maggie and Sean draw closer together, her long buried dreams about her life are reawakened into a hopeful prayer…until a threat from her past promises to destroy their future. Will Maggie be forced to run—again—starting fresh? Or will God answer her prayer and give her the happily-ever-after she’s started from scratch?

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

Reviews

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit about this book and I...
If I was going to be really honest, I would start off by telling you that I went on a requesting binge on Netgalley and was drawn to this book simply because of the cover. I thought it would be the typical hot cop and small town bakery girl type of romance but was quickly proven wrong when there was a stalker church group leader and of course, the subject of religion. Personally, I don't dive straight to Christian romances. I don't really know what they are and why they're really different from romances except maybe that the characters mention their faith to God or their love for him. This is completely fine by the way if you do like Christian romances or you like mentions of Christianity but for me, I prefer to have texts not dedicated to heavy subjects like religion.

With that being said, I didn't know this was a Christian romance. Will it affect my rating for the book? Absolutely not.

What I liked...

From Scratch by C.E. Hilbert was a fun read. I fell in love with the witty banter Maggie and Sean had between each other. Maggie thought Sean was a jerk for not being a proper landlord in terms of fixing the leaking toilet and the bad ventilation. Sean thought it was Maggie's fault because she never asked the century old repairman that he sent over to fix the things to actually fix it because she was too nice and kept deterring the repairman from doing his work. Maggie complained that Sean only hired the repairman because he was old and therefore, cheap. But in reality, Sean hired him because he needed the money and was too proud to receive a handout.

Finish my review here at my blog: https://remarkablylisa.wordpress.com/...

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

i won a box of books from the author, how very nice and generous!
i am really enjoying this book

she ran away to a small town, has a bakery
some man got out of prison, he had attacked her and she was trying to hide from him. he found her but she didnt know...

the chief of police was renting the bakery to her and he really liked her though they didnt get along at first.

she finally told him the truth about who she was after they fell in love with each other. about the man who killed her boyfriend and abducted her. he knew the man had gotten out on parole and had been watching her, but didnt tell her. he got all kinds of law enforcement help but the man abducted both of them. she ended up stabbing him but he didnt die and the police came and saved his life.

at the end of the book the chief of police asked her to marry him in front of everyone and she said yes.
this is a christian book and i really like it.

[Emmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful heartwarming romance filled with suspense. I especially loved Maggie. She was such a strong woman, but at the same time her vulnerabilities and fears were highlighted by the psychopath stalking her. I have never read books by C.E. Hilbert, but I feel this is someone to watch. I really loved the suspense part of this romance. It kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the stalker would strike next. I'm not sure how to classify this book, because for me it is pretty much past suspense and into psychological thriller with the added bonus of a wonderful romance.

This author is firmly placed into my to-be-read list of authors and I cannot wait for the next book.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Christian romance that also has a psychopath and a lot of descriptions of baking. The psychopath is a cult leader, so it has a complicated point of view. But since it is a romance, everything turns out more or less all right.

[Veda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author. But totally enjoyed the book.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Scratch is a sweet book with a few genre mashups, such as Inspirational, Chick-Lit, Small Town Romance, and a side of suspense. It also has baking front and center because the heroine owns and operates her own bakery. She butts head with the owner of her leas, the hero, who is the police chief of the small town. Their initial introduction is far from roses, but as they get to know one another better, their relationship transforms into something special, especially in regards to their faith. Also the hero goes into protection mode for the sweet and kind heroine when an unbalanced stalker from her past gets out of jail and tracks her down with intent to harm her.

Maggie owns her own baker in Gibson's Run. She's lived there for a few years, and from all purposes has settled in and accepted by the community. But Maggie is hiding a big secret. She's changed her name, trying to live under the radar. The man who once stalked her and almost killed her is in jail, but if he ever gets out, he'll come after her. He's a religious fanatic who targeted Maggie to be his wife in Christ. Maggie feels she's safe but she's wary of trusting strangers, especially men. But Maggie has moved on from her traumatic past.

Maggie doesn't get along with Sean, the police chief because he gives excuses on why he can't fix issues that come up at her bakery, such as the toilet clogging and other electrical problems. Their back and forth is nipped in the bud pretty quickly because the communicate to one another, which is something different because miscommunication seems to be a common trope in romances. Both come to a solution, and Sean is then more than happy to help Maggie. She begins to see him in a better light. These two then become friends, which changes very quickly into more than just friendship. Maggie doesn't mind dating Sean, but he on the other hand wants more, which may mean marriage.

But their happiness may come to a halt because Maggie's past is about to catch up to her and may force her to go on the run to not only save her life but to keep Sean safe.

From Scratch is an enjoyable romance with a heroine who is dedicated to her Christian faith, using it for advice and solace. Maggie loves to sing hymns and soak up God's love. Sean isn't as involved with his faith as Maggie is, which gives their relationship a nice balance. These two are attracted to one another, so they do shared a great deal of kisses and embraces, but nothing too saucy. Their romance is on the subtle side and perfect for a teen reader or adults who aren't into sensual descriptions.

The suspense plot roars to life more toward the end of the story when Sean must save Maggie. Some many feel that part wasn't really needed because there was enough to keep thing progressing. It's resolved in a satisfactory way, and with a typical all well that ends well finale, aka the HEA.

From Scratch is a solid romance with a nice couple who have good chemistry. Also Maggie's love of baking, including the small town setting with some interesting side characters makes for an enjoyable read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Scratch is a sweet contemporary Christian romance by author C.E. Hilbert. If you are in the mood for a heartwarming good over comes evil type romance this is the one.
Maggie McKitrick is an enigma to Sean Taylor. She is beautiful, bakes like a goddess, and nice to everyone except him. He and his brothers own the building that Maggie has rented to run her bakery but the problem is she won’t pay her rent! When he enters the bakery to get the rent he is met with a scowl, a list of repairs, refusal to pay rent until said repairs are done and several names none of which is actually his own! It doesn’t take long for Sean Taylor to fall for Maggie and her Mint Chocolate brownies. But it does take him a while to figure out the mystery of one Maggie McKitrick.
Maggie McKitrick found her love of baking but only after suffering a horrific experience that haunts her daily. Music use to be Maggie’s life until a crazed man became obsessed with her. In order to survive, Maggie must run and become someone else. She discovers along the way that she loves to bake and with the help of a friend she begins her bakery where she meets Sean Taylor and holds out hope that she can finally lay the past to rest. As she and Sean grow closer and begin their relationship, Maggie allows some of her guarded walls to come down. It doesn’t take long for Sean to learn that Maggie has a voice of an angel and the soul of one as well and that he wants to learn even more.
When a mysterious rental car and the town busy body draw Sean to a stranger in their town, Sean soon learns that the past Maggie has been running from has caught up to her. Maggie’s stalker is back to lay claim to what he believes is his…Maggie. Sean isn’t about to let this happen and is determined to keep Maggie safe and exactly where she belongs…with him.
Maggie has always trusted God and placed her faith in him, but now she must also learn to place her faith in Sean. She doesn’t want to leave Sean and the love they have and any future together, but can she stay and place Sean in danger? Will Sean be able to stop the horror from happening again?
This is a wonderful story of holding onto faith even during the most difficult times. I loved the sweet romance between Sean and Maggie and how it developed from an antagonistic beginning to a strong love between them. The author’s descriptions of Maggie’s bakery creations sounded delicious and had me disappointed that such a bakery wasn’t near me! I could go for one of those Mint Chocolate brownies or maybe one with caramel!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, most definitely. The Christian tone of the book isn’t overwhelming, but is read as it gently intertwines with the storyline. The issues regarding the stalker that Maggie must deal with are not graphic but could be enough to be a disturbance for some readers.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie has been on the run, changing her identity for a reason that becomes known while reading. Now she is in a small Ohio town running her own bakery. The Chief of Police is her landlord and the repairs are just not getting done. When he relents and goes to put a new lock on her back door, the detective part of Sean sees evidence of a break in. Maggie says nothing is missing, but she shrinks thinking "maybe" he has found her again. She gets a note in a large envelope from her uncle "He's Out." Who can she trust? How can she protect those she is starting to like and love? A nosy woman tracks the out-of-state car for two weeks and gives her notes and thoughts to Sean. He dismisses it to her being a busy-body until the details of the owner of the car is found out.

Hilbert writes all the characters with charm and with exacting detail the one evil character jumps out of the pages. Even though we hope for the best, that everyone will be safe and the man stalking her will be caught, it's worth the read to find out how it all happens. I am glad, as a reader who hates the idea of stalkers and the like, that Hilbert does not belabor the crime portion so the visuals would keep me awake at night.

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

From Scratch by C.E. Hilbert was a super sweet romance novel. This book was one that I wasn’t sure if I was going to like when I back of the book but after I was a chapter or two into the book I didn’t want to put it down. This was a super easy read for me which I always like. I liked that Maggie was a super relatable character, and I felt like I understood her and the things that she did. I am always a fan of characters like Sean as well. I always think that they are people I would get along with in the real world. The one thing that comes to mind as I think about this book is how sweet the story was. It does have a little bit of mystery to it, so I enjoyed that. It was predictable in the fact that I pretty much knew what was going to happen in the long run but even with that being said I still really enjoyed the book. If you love chick lit books than I know, you will enjoy this book just as much as I did.

[Despina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley for a honest review.

I haven't read a lot of Christian books, so I don't have much to compare this book too, but I like the story line of Maggie being a baker and Sean being a Police Chief in a small town, them not getting along at first and then coming together. I thought this was a sweet romance with some suspense thrown in. I like both the Maggie and Sean, although, I did get a bit tired of Maggie always making perfect desserts. I thought the references to God where all in line with the story and they helped to add to the storyline. So why only the 4stars? I like a bit more intensity between my h and H, I didn't feel there love, I was more told they, that they are in love. But if your in the market for an overall well written sweet romance, this a good contender.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a radically dangerous romantic story - wow - that was a mouth full. This is about Maggie - a chef - who ran away and changed her name because she has a stalker who wants her to be his wife in CHRIST - he tried to kill her - and that has made her mistrustful of men - especially strangers - in walks the town police officer - they start to warm up to each other - especially when they find out that the stalker has gotten out of jail and is wanting to get to Maggie - so what happens next? you will not believe it if I tell you. You have to see it - read it - for yourself it is amazing. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Christian romance. I have to admit that it was a little racier than others that I have read but, it had a twist. There was an element of suspense to it. It was a sweet easy read. I liked it, but it was missing something. It wasn't the God connection. That was pretty nice. All I can think about was that it was off. Maggie is the new baker in a small town. She rents the place from a cop. All she wants is to bake her goods and be left alone but he has other thoughts in mind. Sean has high hopes for the bakery that once belonged to his mother. Soon, they find themselves falling in love. Maggie is hiding something and Sean, as an officer of the law is going to find out.

[Rithy · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Arc generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

so far so good. I loved the cover and the description was very interesting. Let's give this a roll

I've only read a handful of Christian books and so far they are great reads. This one is very refreshing. I love the initial bickering between Maggie and Sean. The romance was light and sweet. Great flow, and had elements of faith of course but the storyline works.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, charming book. I'm drawn to bakery themed cozies, I'm not sure why. great character development, interesting goings on, seems like it would be a lovely place to visit. I enjoyed my stay and hope that our lovely author brings us back door another visit.

*I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest opinion.*

[Karen Peale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Form Sratch

I enjoyed many aspects of this book, one of which was seeing old friends from the Wooing of Jane Grey. What surprised me the most is that this was an entirely different read than the author's first book. I was shocked to realize it was a romantic suspense. The characters were well developed and I could see this turning into a series. This book did not capture my emotions the way her debut novel did, but overall it was a good read.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that Sean was thinking about his woman and her needs, "he shifted his head. His eyelids opened to half-mast. “We are. But I want more. I want to take you out to a nice dinner with tablecloths and waiters. But that doesn’t really matter unless I know what you want.” His voice sounded husky and soft to her ears. “What do you want, Maggie?” I liked this book I loved Sean.

[William R.Hylbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. Talented author.

This was very good! It was interesting to read about places around Columbus since I live close to there. I was anxious to read what would happen next. Can't wait for the next book.

[Javeria]

I'm going to be honest, I went on a requesting spree on netgalley. Hence, I was quite surprised to find out this is a Christian romance, I've tried to continue it anyway but I'm just not able to. It just isn't for me.

I'll be more diligent when requesting.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the growth of the relationship between Sean and Maggie. I loved Maggie's strength and belief in God, that allowed her to face her fears and overcome them. A great story that I would recommend to anyone.

[Janellef · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://readingwithteddyg.blogspot.com...

[Manda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly wasn't totally expecting the chapters written in the perspective of the stalker. Writing was okay, but it was overall pretty cute and I liked it.