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Bakery Romance #2
Shades Of Chocolate
Toni enjoys making chocolate treats in her bakery. Haunted by her abusive past, she struggles with her faith in God. Her world changes when a handsome stranger arrives, reminiscing about his childhood. Jason Matthews misses his days of working in his family's pastry shop. Estranged from his father, he longs to rediscover the joy and comfort from baking. When Toni's life is threatened, Jason realizes how deeply he cares for her. Can Toni and Jason overcome their pasts and learn to trust one another?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2016
245 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Dowdy
33 books186 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:
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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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 23, 2016
Toni’s best memories from childhood are working at her aunt and uncle’s bakery. Now she has inherited the bakery and made it her own. Jason Matthews has recently lost his mother and, in accordance with her will, is now working with his estranged father. Needing time away, he takes a three-month vacation. When he walks into Shades of Chocolate, he is reminded of his mother’s first bakery. When Toni needs help, he jumps right in, grateful for the chance to bake again.
I really enjoy Cecelia Dowdy’s writing! There is an ease to her writing that makes the story flow. I was pulled in at the beginning and didn’t want to stop reading. The characters felt real and their struggles were relatable. The romance was sweet and the elements of suspense and mystery were well done.
Toni and Jason were easy to root for! I wanted things to work out for them. Their relationship developed in such a sweet way. I loved seeing their individual growth as well. I was very happy with the way everything worked out!
I think (ok, I know) I like pastries and baked goods a bit too much, because I absolutely love the setting of a bakery! I felt like I was there. I could see the display cases and smell all the yummy treats. When I read the next book in the series, I think I’ll head over to a local bakery and read there while I eat something sweet.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy Cecelia Dowdy’s writing! There is an ease to her writing that makes the story flow. I was pulled in at the beginning and didn’t want to stop reading. The characters felt real and their struggles were relatable. The romance was sweet and the elements of suspense and mystery were well done.
Toni and Jason were easy to root for! I wanted things to work out for them. Their relationship developed in such a sweet way. I loved seeing their individual growth as well. I was very happy with the way everything worked out!
I think (ok, I know) I like pastries and baked goods a bit too much, because I absolutely love the setting of a bakery! I felt like I was there. I could see the display cases and smell all the yummy treats. When I read the next book in the series, I think I’ll head over to a local bakery and read there while I eat something sweet.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2016
Toni enjoys making chocolate treats in her bakery. Haunted by her abusive past, she struggles with her faith in God. Her world changes when a handsome stranger arrives, reminiscing about his childhood. Jason Matthews misses his days of working in his family's pastry shop. Estranged from his father, he longs to rediscover the joy and comfort from baking. When Toni's life is threatened, Jason realizes how deeply he cares for her. Can Toni and Jason overcome their pasts and learn to trust one another?
Another amazingly sweet, easy to read romance from Cecelia Dowdy. I enjoyed reading the continuing story of Toni, her Shades of Chocolate Bakery, and the small town of Blue Spring. Watching Tori grow in faith through all the ups and downs she encountered was the best part of the book. Jason's growth both as a person and in his feelings for Tori was well developed. The storyline was realistic and included characters that depicted both the good and bad sides of every day life. I loved seeing the relationships between Tori and her Mom and Jason and his dad recover from past problems. Definitely a good follow up to book one: Raspberry Kisses. I look forward to reading Sweet Dreams to find out more about Sterling.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I'm a Christian but that doesn't mean I have all the answers to life's problems. I'm a long way from being perfect. But following Jesus isn't about knowing everything or acting correctly in every situation. It's about being forgiven."
"Christians have suffered for two thousand years, and what I'm going through is minimal compared to what some Christians have suffered...I just know that there will come a time when all the suffering stops and God grants us eternal life."
"I'm sure of this: Jesus Christ has never run out on anybody."
*DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Another amazingly sweet, easy to read romance from Cecelia Dowdy. I enjoyed reading the continuing story of Toni, her Shades of Chocolate Bakery, and the small town of Blue Spring. Watching Tori grow in faith through all the ups and downs she encountered was the best part of the book. Jason's growth both as a person and in his feelings for Tori was well developed. The storyline was realistic and included characters that depicted both the good and bad sides of every day life. I loved seeing the relationships between Tori and her Mom and Jason and his dad recover from past problems. Definitely a good follow up to book one: Raspberry Kisses. I look forward to reading Sweet Dreams to find out more about Sterling.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I'm a Christian but that doesn't mean I have all the answers to life's problems. I'm a long way from being perfect. But following Jesus isn't about knowing everything or acting correctly in every situation. It's about being forgiven."
"Christians have suffered for two thousand years, and what I'm going through is minimal compared to what some Christians have suffered...I just know that there will come a time when all the suffering stops and God grants us eternal life."
"I'm sure of this: Jesus Christ has never run out on anybody."
*DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
February 27, 2016
Loved, Loved, Loved this book!! If you haven't read any books by Cecelia Dowdy, you need to! I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2016
Title: Shades of Chocolate
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: C.D.
Series: The Bakery Romance Series Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Shades of Chocolate" by Cecelia Dowdy
My Thoughts....
What a wonderful Christian romance read that was full of 'faith, family and love' that comes for Toni and Jason beautifully told story in this second series...'The Bakery Romance Book 2.' How these two met was definitely a work of art as this author brings these two together both having the love of chocolate between them. Will Jason be their for Toni when it seems like all is going against her? What will happen when Toni and Jason start to open up to each other. These two main characters along with the secondary characters [Brian, Gia, Larry, Trina, Antoine, Shelia, Cathy, Rhea, Sterling, Mrs. Dukes to name a few] really gives the reader quite a well developed, well portrayed and believable story that will definitely keep you turning the pages. What had been left out of Toni's life that she so desperately needed? From this read the reader will find that both of these two main characters will have some baggage that will have to be cleared up before this story ends. I loved how this author brings out this suspenseful romance presentation that will keep your attention all the way to the end. I also loved how this author brings in how good 'God's grace and forgiveness' is that he has for all of us. Now, to find out what all has gone on in the 'Shades of Chocolate' you will just have to pick up this good novel to see how well the story is brought out. The next series will be about 'Sterling' and I am sure it too will be one interesting read just as we found this one. Would I recommend "Shades of Chocolate?" YES!
Thank you to the author for your gift of the read for my honest opinion.
Merged review:
Title: Shades of Chocolate
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: C.D.
Series: The Bakery Romance Series Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Shades of Chocolate" by Cecelia Dowdy
My Thoughts....
What a wonderful Christian romance read that was full of 'faith, family and love' that comes for Toni and Jason beautifully told story in this second series...'The Bakery Romance Book 2.' How these two met was definitely a work of art as this author brings these two together both having the love of chocolate between them. Will Jason be their for Toni when it seems like all is going against her? What will happen when Toni and Jason start to open up to each other. These two main characters along with the secondary characters [Brian, Gia, Larry, Trina, Antoine, Shelia, Cathy, Rhea, Sterling, Mrs. Dukes to name a few] really gives the reader quite a well developed, well portrayed and believable story that will definitely keep you turning the pages. What had been left out of Toni's life that she so desperately needed? From this read the reader will find that both of these two main characters will have some baggage that will have to be cleared up before this story ends. I loved how this author brings out this suspenseful romance presentation that will keep your attention all the way to the end. I also loved how this author brings in how good 'God's grace and forgiveness' is that he has for all of us. Now, to find out what all has gone on in the 'Shades of Chocolate' you will just have to pick up this good novel to see how well the story is brought out. The next series will be about 'Sterling' and I am sure it too will be one interesting read just as we found this one. Would I recommend "Shades of Chocolate?" YES!
February 15, 2017
I don't typically read books that are as straight forward about faith and religion as this book was. I do enjoy books that include faith in them, but this was stronger on the topic. With that being said, I felt that this was a very good book. It was a sweet romance with characters that were trying to work through personal challenges, and had friends that supported them along the way. I did find myself getting riled up at times and having to walk away because I didn't feel that certain actions were very Christian, and I was disappointed. When Toni gets kicked out by her friend, was one such incident, I had to wait a few days before I continued reading, which of course was when the book clarified and brought me peace over the incident. It happened again towards the end when all the truths came out about the people that had been hurting Toni, and I was worried that forgiveness would not be identified, but it was. I do feel the explanation of forgiveness could have been given more detail and explanation, with the intention of identifying why it was so important, for Toni and the people she forgave. Regardless I give credit to Ms. Dowdy for making sure that her audience was given those challenging experiences to work through and understand, and then gave them the support they might need to better understand and find peace with them. If you're looking for a faith based book, and you enjoy sweet romances, then I highly recommend this book.
March 5, 2016
Toni and Jason meet over desert at her bakery. Her life changes when she meets him but the fact he is a Christian and her prior baggage makes it difficult for her to commit.
Jason has his baggage, also and he's concerned she is not a Christian.
I loved the story set in a chocolate bakery.It makes my mouth water just reading the book.
The romance is exciting, the suspense intense.
All in all, this is an excellent book that shows the Lord's grace and forgiveness.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Jason has his baggage, also and he's concerned she is not a Christian.
I loved the story set in a chocolate bakery.It makes my mouth water just reading the book.
The romance is exciting, the suspense intense.
All in all, this is an excellent book that shows the Lord's grace and forgiveness.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 18, 2019I finished this book and realised that I really didnt know much about the main characters. I know the facts, but not the intimate details - the 'heart' of the characters. Yes there was a LOT about God and belief, but very little of the soul of each person. They were somehow thin.
A couple of things irked me. One was the fact that Toni seemed to suffer a LOT of problems with her stomach - to the extent that I thought this was a precursor to some fairly serious medical problem. But no. Nothing came of it and I wondered why no one had picked up on what to me was a Checkov's Gun.
There were a LOT of dull details:
Their waitress returned with a full tray. She presented them with two glasses of ice water, fresh lemon slices floating on the surface. She then presented them both of them with glasses of Coke and two salads. DULL!! Pointless!! And repetitive.
And this REALLY irked me:
A pregnant lady relaxed in her yard, nursing an infant, not bothering to cover herself up.
That sounded SO wrong. It had a slightly unpleasant tone to it, as if a nursing mother should cover herself when breastfeeding. I hope the author didn't intend that inference, but that was the way I read it.
I'm not rating this right now. The Christianity aspect was done to death in the story whereas the actual romance fell flat and had no real depth to it. It meandered aimlessly in a lot of places and really needed a serious edit to cut out the waffle.
A couple of things irked me. One was the fact that Toni seemed to suffer a LOT of problems with her stomach - to the extent that I thought this was a precursor to some fairly serious medical problem. But no. Nothing came of it and I wondered why no one had picked up on what to me was a Checkov's Gun.
There were a LOT of dull details:
Their waitress returned with a full tray. She presented them with two glasses of ice water, fresh lemon slices floating on the surface. She then presented them both of them with glasses of Coke and two salads. DULL!! Pointless!! And repetitive.
And this REALLY irked me:
A pregnant lady relaxed in her yard, nursing an infant, not bothering to cover herself up.
That sounded SO wrong. It had a slightly unpleasant tone to it, as if a nursing mother should cover herself when breastfeeding. I hope the author didn't intend that inference, but that was the way I read it.
I'm not rating this right now. The Christianity aspect was done to death in the story whereas the actual romance fell flat and had no real depth to it. It meandered aimlessly in a lot of places and really needed a serious edit to cut out the waffle.
October 4, 2016
I've found "Shades of Chocolate" to be a nice but not exceptional romance story. It's cute and has enough mystery in it to keep the reader entertained, but most of its characters are stereotypical and it doesn't bring anything new to the genre. Once all the characters have been introduced, you can tell who's done what and what's going to happen. I've also had a hard time with the leads; I didn't like Jason much (a bit too "I'm playing the fiancé part without having asked for permission first" to my taste), and Toni's character development was stated more than showed : she has trouble with her faith and then poof! we are a couple of months later and she becomes a full-fledged Christian with very little explanation about her spiritual journey in-between. I would have prefer to have less of Jason's and Sheila's concerns over Toni's faith, and more of Toni's own reflections on her path to christianity. It just feels like she isn't someone who is searching her spiritual way, but someone who must be saved by Jason and Sheila. Which is unfortunate given how much Jason is taking over (or trying to, at least) other aspects of Toni's life.
That put aside, it is still a traditionally agreeable fluffy romance with a side of mystery.
Disclaimer : I have received a free copy of the ebook fom the author in exchange of an honest review.
That put aside, it is still a traditionally agreeable fluffy romance with a side of mystery.
Disclaimer : I have received a free copy of the ebook fom the author in exchange of an honest review.
July 19, 2016
I enjoy Cecelia Dowdy's recipes for romance mixed into the world of specialty desserts and treats. She gives us characters that reflect real life contemporary challenges and situations that are intriguing. Being a chocoholic I like her theme of Bakery Romance for this series.
The author starts this story with a bang! Toni Brown bakes wonderful sweets and breads for a living. She owns Shades of Chocolate bakery which keeps her busy in her community. She comes from a hard life and she appreciates the gift of the career she has and is thankful that her aunt and uncle entrusted the business to her after passing away.
Jason Matthews is a Christian who is dealing with the death of his mother and a challenging struggle with his father. Cecelia has created a delicious character here. He is a gentleman, good looking and has a big heart. He is also very human, while dealing with the trauma that death brings to children of any age he has a test of faith. He is also tested by being attracted to Toni who is outspoken in her lack of faith in God. This presents quite a conflict for the story! Add a mystery to the blend and it's an enjoyable story with tension, romance, intrigue and more. I enjoyed this book very much.
The author starts this story with a bang! Toni Brown bakes wonderful sweets and breads for a living. She owns Shades of Chocolate bakery which keeps her busy in her community. She comes from a hard life and she appreciates the gift of the career she has and is thankful that her aunt and uncle entrusted the business to her after passing away.
Jason Matthews is a Christian who is dealing with the death of his mother and a challenging struggle with his father. Cecelia has created a delicious character here. He is a gentleman, good looking and has a big heart. He is also very human, while dealing with the trauma that death brings to children of any age he has a test of faith. He is also tested by being attracted to Toni who is outspoken in her lack of faith in God. This presents quite a conflict for the story! Add a mystery to the blend and it's an enjoyable story with tension, romance, intrigue and more. I enjoyed this book very much.
June 1, 2016
Hmmm
Well... what can I say? I read Raspberry Kisses and enjoyed it, but I enjoyed Shades of Chocolate more. The characters and romance were well developed. Although this was mainly a romance there was also a touch of mystery and danger. I love mystery and danger. I'd like to have known a little more about the aftermath, though. What was it like for Toni to meet Jason's family? I'm always curious about the aftermath, though. I wonder how Toni and Jason's relationship will grow from here. Oh yeah and I kind of loved that Toni's name was Antoinette and Jason's nephew name was Antoine.
I received Shades of Chocolate as a gift in exchange for an honest review.:)
Well... what can I say? I read Raspberry Kisses and enjoyed it, but I enjoyed Shades of Chocolate more. The characters and romance were well developed. Although this was mainly a romance there was also a touch of mystery and danger. I love mystery and danger. I'd like to have known a little more about the aftermath, though. What was it like for Toni to meet Jason's family? I'm always curious about the aftermath, though. I wonder how Toni and Jason's relationship will grow from here. Oh yeah and I kind of loved that Toni's name was Antoinette and Jason's nephew name was Antoine.
I received Shades of Chocolate as a gift in exchange for an honest review.:)
October 18, 2016
Very cute series. You sort of feel like you're fondly watching the main character, Toni, as she goes through her day to day, growing her business and dealing with the questions of relationships and faith. Very relatable. I'd even recommend this book to my teenage daughters. Fun read.
August 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and the one before it. I will read the next one as well. The characters were so believe able,as we're their problems
I recommend it to everyone.
I recommend it to everyone.
May 31, 2016
I love this bakery romance series by Cecelia Dowdy. You can read either book first but the main characters and one side character from the first book are mentioned in this one. There's enough explanation I believe that you wouldn't need to read in order if you didn't want to. Although the side character, Sterling, is set to be the main character in book 3 of this series. Which I am excited to read about his story. I love baking and cooking and so reading about it and the fun creations mentioned make me want to go into my kitchen and start trying to recreate them. Yum!
Ok now onto the book since you're really reading this review to learn more about it. The two main characters are Toni(Antoinette) and Jason Matthews. In a way they are very night and day but in another way they are very similar.
Night and day first description first.
Toni grew up very poor in a rundown trailer in a trailer park. Her father was very abusive to her mother and he was also an alcoholic. Toni doesn't want to believe in God because she doesn't believe that if he were real he would allow all the bad to happen in her life.
Jason grew up in a very well to do family. His mother started a bakery chain and it did very well so he had many luxuries and privileges that Toni didn't have in her life. Jason's mother was a very humble, gracious woman who taught him to serve others and give without requiring anything in return. Jason gave his life to the Lord and allows him to lead Jason in all things, even the difficulties.
Now the similarities.
Toni was in a relationship that ended in a heartbreaking manner for her. She dreams of having a loving family life with the perfect house and children and a loving husband. When she was a teenager her aunt and uncle invited her to come help in their bakery during the summer. Toni fell in love with it and continued to help until her aunt and uncle passed away and left her the bakery.
Jason's mother has passed away right before the book begins and he is struggling to be happy with his sorrow. He struggles with his relationship with his father and has never felt close or approved of by him. Jason's mother taught him to bake his first cake when he was ten and from that moment on he was hooked. He loves to bake and create and dreams of running his own bakery that he inherited when his mother passed away. He wants a family but hasn't met the right woman yet, he just had a relationship that didn't end so well either.
Jason is sent on a business trip by his father to go searching for other bakeries to join their family chain. He is promised he can run his mother's bakery as he wants after he returns. Jason agrees to go on the trip as long as he can have a 3 month leave to recoup and heal. At the end of his trip Jason pulls into a small town and sees a billboard advertising a local bakery called "Shades of Chocolate." He walks into the bakery and is transported back in time to memories of his mother's first bakery. Toni is closing up the shop yet she sees that Jason is exhausted and sorrowful so she serves him some of her famous chocolate cake. He loves it and decides to stay in town for a little while.
The following morning after they meet Toni's assistant is called away to an emergency and will be gone for several weeks. Jason happens to show up and offers his assistance. Toni is unsure because she guards her family's secret recipes very closely but she is struggling to keep up with all the customers so she relents.
I don't want to reveal too much more about what happens except that Jason decides to use his vacation time helping Toni. He also is trying to figure out his relationship with his father all the while having more conflict added to that. Toni starts getting random calls and scary messages threatening her to leave. Which upsets her and is causing problems in her sleep and personal life.
Both characters keep their personal life pretty tight lipped for most of the first half. But as their friendship develops over the months they start to open up to each other. Jason keeps inviting Toni to church and offers to answer any questions she has regarding his relationship with the Lord.
From page one I was hooked. I really enjoy Cecelia's writing style, it flows so nicely and she has a great way with developing her characters. There is enough revealed at the beginning to hook the reader yet not give away all the back story. She did a great job with the angst of the story, the whodunnit and slowly building that up to where you have several guesses as to who is really responsible for all the trouble yet you can't quite pinpoint it.
I loved the friendship between Toni and Jason. It was really sweet with no pressure or judging. The conversations shared between them helped to slowly shed light on who they were and who they wanted to become. I loved it. If you are wondering, because I know I check before I read many books, this is a Christian romance novel. There is no sex or swearing, a really great clean read.
I have been sick over the weekend and enjoyed laying in bed for a couple hours reading this sweet read. I really highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys Christian romance or just a sweet fast read. My mind is a little tired so hopefully I was able to convey my thoughts in a way that makes sense. I hope you enjoy the book if you take the chance to pick it up. I sure did!
I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
Ok now onto the book since you're really reading this review to learn more about it. The two main characters are Toni(Antoinette) and Jason Matthews. In a way they are very night and day but in another way they are very similar.
Night and day first description first.
Toni grew up very poor in a rundown trailer in a trailer park. Her father was very abusive to her mother and he was also an alcoholic. Toni doesn't want to believe in God because she doesn't believe that if he were real he would allow all the bad to happen in her life.
Jason grew up in a very well to do family. His mother started a bakery chain and it did very well so he had many luxuries and privileges that Toni didn't have in her life. Jason's mother was a very humble, gracious woman who taught him to serve others and give without requiring anything in return. Jason gave his life to the Lord and allows him to lead Jason in all things, even the difficulties.
Now the similarities.
Toni was in a relationship that ended in a heartbreaking manner for her. She dreams of having a loving family life with the perfect house and children and a loving husband. When she was a teenager her aunt and uncle invited her to come help in their bakery during the summer. Toni fell in love with it and continued to help until her aunt and uncle passed away and left her the bakery.
Jason's mother has passed away right before the book begins and he is struggling to be happy with his sorrow. He struggles with his relationship with his father and has never felt close or approved of by him. Jason's mother taught him to bake his first cake when he was ten and from that moment on he was hooked. He loves to bake and create and dreams of running his own bakery that he inherited when his mother passed away. He wants a family but hasn't met the right woman yet, he just had a relationship that didn't end so well either.
Jason is sent on a business trip by his father to go searching for other bakeries to join their family chain. He is promised he can run his mother's bakery as he wants after he returns. Jason agrees to go on the trip as long as he can have a 3 month leave to recoup and heal. At the end of his trip Jason pulls into a small town and sees a billboard advertising a local bakery called "Shades of Chocolate." He walks into the bakery and is transported back in time to memories of his mother's first bakery. Toni is closing up the shop yet she sees that Jason is exhausted and sorrowful so she serves him some of her famous chocolate cake. He loves it and decides to stay in town for a little while.
The following morning after they meet Toni's assistant is called away to an emergency and will be gone for several weeks. Jason happens to show up and offers his assistance. Toni is unsure because she guards her family's secret recipes very closely but she is struggling to keep up with all the customers so she relents.
I don't want to reveal too much more about what happens except that Jason decides to use his vacation time helping Toni. He also is trying to figure out his relationship with his father all the while having more conflict added to that. Toni starts getting random calls and scary messages threatening her to leave. Which upsets her and is causing problems in her sleep and personal life.
Both characters keep their personal life pretty tight lipped for most of the first half. But as their friendship develops over the months they start to open up to each other. Jason keeps inviting Toni to church and offers to answer any questions she has regarding his relationship with the Lord.
From page one I was hooked. I really enjoy Cecelia's writing style, it flows so nicely and she has a great way with developing her characters. There is enough revealed at the beginning to hook the reader yet not give away all the back story. She did a great job with the angst of the story, the whodunnit and slowly building that up to where you have several guesses as to who is really responsible for all the trouble yet you can't quite pinpoint it.
I loved the friendship between Toni and Jason. It was really sweet with no pressure or judging. The conversations shared between them helped to slowly shed light on who they were and who they wanted to become. I loved it. If you are wondering, because I know I check before I read many books, this is a Christian romance novel. There is no sex or swearing, a really great clean read.
I have been sick over the weekend and enjoyed laying in bed for a couple hours reading this sweet read. I really highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys Christian romance or just a sweet fast read. My mind is a little tired so hopefully I was able to convey my thoughts in a way that makes sense. I hope you enjoy the book if you take the chance to pick it up. I sure did!
I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
August 18, 2019
This was a great Christian romance story. I love happy endings. Toni had an abusive childhood, and has caught her boyfriend with another women. Things could not be any worse for her. She has inherited a bakery from her aunt and uncle. Jason and his Dad don’t get along, but he comes from wealth and a family chain of bakeries in Chicago. He had taken a three month vacation and stays in town to help her, and love comes knocking. The catch is she is not a Christian. It’s a wonderful story of how things work out.
December 16, 2017
The love of chocolate
I gave this book five stars because it's the first Christian book that I've read that I truly enjoyed.The characters were great and I liked the hint of mystery to it. Toni question her friends faith in God but learns through the love of a good man and his faith in God all things are possible . Jason is trying to start over after the loss of his mom and he falls for a woman that shares his interest but lacks faith in God. This a feel good book.
I gave this book five stars because it's the first Christian book that I've read that I truly enjoyed.The characters were great and I liked the hint of mystery to it. Toni question her friends faith in God but learns through the love of a good man and his faith in God all things are possible . Jason is trying to start over after the loss of his mom and he falls for a woman that shares his interest but lacks faith in God. This a feel good book.
May 13, 2018
An inspirational read
Shades of Chocolate is Book Two in the Bakery Romance series. This is the story of Jason and Toni. Toni catches her fiancé cheating and has a tough time. Jason has recently lost his mother and is still grieving. They meet at Toni’s bakery and the bakery reminds Jason of his mom’s first bakery. If you’re looking for a clean book that tells an inspiring story this is the book for you. I really liked the suspense in the book too.
Shades of Chocolate is Book Two in the Bakery Romance series. This is the story of Jason and Toni. Toni catches her fiancé cheating and has a tough time. Jason has recently lost his mother and is still grieving. They meet at Toni’s bakery and the bakery reminds Jason of his mom’s first bakery. If you’re looking for a clean book that tells an inspiring story this is the book for you. I really liked the suspense in the book too.
March 9, 2020
Wonderful
Great characters! Great story! Very entertaining! The food sounds delicious and you want to visit the bakeries and towns.
Toni is a chocolate centered bakery owner in small town, Blue Spring. When her assistant has to leave for a family emergency a new comer offers to help out. The handsome helpful stranger and Toni become closer as someone starts threatening Toni and her bakery.
This doesn't have a lot of angst and does have a happy ending.
Great characters! Great story! Very entertaining! The food sounds delicious and you want to visit the bakeries and towns.
Toni is a chocolate centered bakery owner in small town, Blue Spring. When her assistant has to leave for a family emergency a new comer offers to help out. The handsome helpful stranger and Toni become closer as someone starts threatening Toni and her bakery.
This doesn't have a lot of angst and does have a happy ending.
December 31, 2024
Shades of Chocolate
This book was exceptional. Jason's vacation provided a much-needed respite for both himself and Toni. He was deeply affected by his mother's passing, experiencing significant anger and grief. A fortuitous encounter with Toni, a Blue Springs bakery owner, offered a positive experience during his volunteer work at her establishment following a staff member's emergency leave. Journey on their adventures.
This book was exceptional. Jason's vacation provided a much-needed respite for both himself and Toni. He was deeply affected by his mother's passing, experiencing significant anger and grief. A fortuitous encounter with Toni, a Blue Springs bakery owner, offered a positive experience during his volunteer work at her establishment following a staff member's emergency leave. Journey on their adventures.
August 18, 2019
Great Christian clean romance!
I loved the realist struggles Jason and Toni faces with faith, family, and other situations. I appreciated the sense of community offered by the town and church. I especially liked the clean romance development between main characters. Will look for more from author!
I loved the realist struggles Jason and Toni faces with faith, family, and other situations. I appreciated the sense of community offered by the town and church. I especially liked the clean romance development between main characters. Will look for more from author!
April 15, 2020
Great again!!!
I have told everyone that I know to read your books. Very blessed, decently written. Clean and Holy. No cursing, no indecent liberties. I grew up with a mom and dad. We had a healthy home. No drugs no alcohol, no worries. We didn't even know we were poor, why because of God's Gift, Love and Family. Thank you, keep up the great work...
I have told everyone that I know to read your books. Very blessed, decently written. Clean and Holy. No cursing, no indecent liberties. I grew up with a mom and dad. We had a healthy home. No drugs no alcohol, no worries. We didn't even know we were poor, why because of God's Gift, Love and Family. Thank you, keep up the great work...
June 5, 2020
Can't ever go wrong with Chocolate
Shades of Chocolate by Cecelia Dowdy is a sweet (pun intended) romance well worth reading. Tone and Jason are an adorable couple, each broken in his and her own way. I have to admit that I desperately wanted to eat the chocolate foods mentioned! Shades of Chocolate should come with those chocolate peanut butter cookies!!
Shades of Chocolate by Cecelia Dowdy is a sweet (pun intended) romance well worth reading. Tone and Jason are an adorable couple, each broken in his and her own way. I have to admit that I desperately wanted to eat the chocolate foods mentioned! Shades of Chocolate should come with those chocolate peanut butter cookies!!
April 28, 2018
Margaret
This was a very good book. Reading this book has really got me thinking
About my faith and beliefs. I thank you and God for making a way for me
to find and read this book.
This was a very good book. Reading this book has really got me thinking
About my faith and beliefs. I thank you and God for making a way for me
to find and read this book.
August 21, 2019
This is an Inspy.
I simply found both MC's to be not very interesting. Both refused to talk to one another about anything more than mundane things.
I knew who the two villains were from nearly the start. Both deserve prison, not just one.
I doubt I'll read anything else by this author.
I simply found both MC's to be not very interesting. Both refused to talk to one another about anything more than mundane things.
I knew who the two villains were from nearly the start. Both deserve prison, not just one.
I doubt I'll read anything else by this author.
August 28, 2019
She inherited a bakery. He was on a trip then vacation. His dad owned many bakeries and wanted to purchase more. He stayed in town. Both had bad previous romances. Things start to heat up, literally when her cousin returns. the cousin felt the bakery was HER inheritance.
May 30, 2017
Sweet story about faith and family...and baking.
May 1, 2018
Good Read
A really nice story that has a lot of twists and turns.Romance,suspense and mystery.It starts off slow,then really takes off.I'll look for another by this author.
A really nice story that has a lot of twists and turns.Romance,suspense and mystery.It starts off slow,then really takes off.I'll look for another by this author.
March 29, 2019
Christian Romance and Mystery
Immensely enjoyed book 2 of this series. This is the second book I have read by this author. I was drawn in from the first page.
Immensely enjoyed book 2 of this series. This is the second book I have read by this author. I was drawn in from the first page.
August 12, 2019
Have really enjoyed this book. Highly recommend . Great Christian read and characters.
October 2, 2019
Great 👍 story
I love the theme running through the series. This story, of faith had me cheering, praying and crying years of joy.
I love the theme running through the series. This story, of faith had me cheering, praying and crying years of joy.
May 7, 2020
Wonderful story
Enjoyed this book very much. Good, clean read. Interesting twists, deals with the human donde on many levels. Great recipe at end of book!
Enjoyed this book very much. Good, clean read. Interesting twists, deals with the human donde on many levels. Great recipe at end of book!
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