To escape notoriety from her role in the school shooting she barely survived, Elizabeth Lambert moves from Houston to Hoffman Grove, Illinois. Plagued by panic attacks and nightmares, she’s determined to embrace her second chance at life, knowing that death could take her in an instant. A one-night stand with a local handsome firefighter should remind her that she’s alive, but like a good cookie, once is not enough to satisfy her craving. Will he reject her when he learns about the blood on her hands? Firefighter and paramedic Matt Billings fights his attraction to the alluring new bookshop manager. She dangles a one-night stand under his nose, but the last time he gave in to such an offer he ended up with a child. He is determined to be a better man than his philandering father. Can he convince Elizabeth that her past is not as terrifying as suddenly being a parent, and a relationship is worth more than just a checkbox on her bucket list?
Karla Brandenburg is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels which include paranormal elements. Now that her children have settled into lives of their own, she loves to go out into the world on adventures with her husband, from Milwaukee to the French Riviera, but the Chicago suburbs have always been “home.” She is an avid reader across multiple genres and is a card-carrying cookie-holic (we all have our vices). Sign up for her newsletter
Witnessing trauma is bad enough. When you are involved in it and then made to feel you caused it well… Your whole world gets turned upside down and you become not sure what is real and not real. So your stuff it all down and become not willing to talk about it. Yet, when you have been told your whole life you are a no one or at least given that impression then you believe and accept anything you are told. When tragedy struck in Elizabeth Lambert’s life her mother thought it best that with all the press that she leaves Houston and go to her Aunt Brenda Mead’s. She is a former high school teacher in Hoffman Grove. You see her aunt needs a manager at her bookstore for the one she has is leaving. Since her aunt had retired she no longer wanted to work the store. So she asked Elizabeth to come and manage it. Which she was happy to do. Elizabeth up until she started high school used to come for a month every summer until her uncle died. It was the only time she truly felt loved. Her mother had told her she makes her aunt sick so she could stay with her anymore in the summer time. Her travels from Texas to her aunts was a wild ride and ever since the event in her life cookies took on even more meaning. They were real stress relievers. Before arriving at the house she stopped at the grocery store to get some from the fresh bakery. She got the ones in the clear plastic container. When she went to open it she sliced her hand to where she cut it but good. BLOOD! A LOT! SPOTS! A lot before her eyes and she was feeling light headed. Luckily two paramedics are walking in as she is going down. The one that gets to her first is Matt Billings one of the most eligible and sexy bachelors in town. He sees what’s going on and rushes to her side and guides her to the ground and put her head between her legs. When Ted his partner cleans the blood they see she needs stitches, granting her a free ride in their chariot. While in the back with her Matt starts to notice her beauty and how attracted he is to her. Something that has never happened while attending to a patient. His body was even coming alive another first for him that he had hushed a little over 2 years ago after his affair that caused his break up with his fiancé, Audrey. He was granted a baby with Shannon a woman from hell. Although he never wanted children he loves his son Trey immensely. Now here was this woman Elizabeth who was way tempting. But he knew there was a story of trauma somewhere because of the way she reacted to the blood. PTSD either military or some other form of trauma or tragedy. After they dropped her at the hospital he sees her again at Mrs. Mead’s again that night. There was a car accident and it was in front of her home. Then you start to see the small town living kick in. The hotlines and fix-ups. They don’t gossip the share out of love. They are the “Family of Friends” misfits from high school who came from difficult backgrounds who have always been there for one another no matter what. I really enjoyed this book. There was so much to laugh about in this book and yet the author was able to bring the reader along through her trauma with her feeling her emotions without making it feel too overwhelming for the reader. Then coming out the other side at each stage of healing. The small town antics were hilarious. The makeshift family I love which I have had several times throughout my lifetime and those friends you never forget. One call and you’re there ready and wait to know what they need if they called. May need to juggle but just ask and I am there. They are that way with us too. Forever friend/family. I love the way it was so true to life and really funny. The whole story dynamics just worked. I give this 5 ++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
I was surprised to learn that this book was part of a series, but thankfully, that didn't impact me when reading it. However, it is more of a 3.5 star read than an actual 4 star one.
Elizabeth and Matt both had issues about their pasts, but they also had a hard time talking about it to both each other and others. That made for a lot of back and forth whining about it, which got annoying quickly. Thankfully, the plot was interesting enough to keep this book from getting into DNF territory.
The cast of characters is well-developed, and mostly paired off. However, they are developed in such a way as to keep the focus on Matt and Elizabeth and not distract the reader into wondering about their stories.
All things considered, this was a good book, but lacked real greatness. Not sure I would continue with the series...
Wonderful read that tackles many challenges seen in the real world when people are looking for their own happily-ever-after. There is at least 2 sets of problems brought into each relationship between 2 people. Elizabeth brings issues from childhood to a very recent trauma that any normal person would have issues with. Matt has the challenge of becoming a full-time father and overcoming poor decisions in his past and working to get all that smoothly into a new relationship that both expect and desire it to be life-long. Realistic aspects make the story better. Well-written and kept my attention.
Cookie Therapy by Karla Bradenburg is a great listen! I loved how the author meshed humor, second chance at love with a real affliction. PTSD is not something to take lightly, and the author wrote this book with great compassion, wit, and endearing characters. The narrator, Vicki Pierce fit this book perfectly. She brought the characters to life. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.
Since this is Romance Week, a romance novel was in order. This is the first book I've read by Brandenburg and I can see why Cookie Therapy is an award winner. The story engages the reader from the onset - Elizabeth a newbie in town, taking over her aunt's bookstore and Matt, a fireman working to care for his young son. Both are clinging to the baggage of the past, the possible complications of the future, but can they work past their fears and discover happiness together? The book has a somewhat Debbie Macomber "feel" but with hotter sex scenes! I look forward to reading additional Brandenburg books which follow other characters we meet in this novel. So get some milk and cookies - or something stronger - and cuddle up with this steamy read. You won't be disappointed.
Young Paramedic, Matt Billings, is constantly worried that he has turned into his no-good, cheating father. Having cheated on his fiancée, Matthew had become a father almost two years ago. Although he regretted losing both of the women in his life, he couldn’t love his infant son, Trey, any more if he tried, but worries that he will destroy Trey’s life if he sues for sole custody. Determined never again to fall victim to his desires, Matt swears off women, throwing himself into his work until Elizabeth Lambert mysteriously arrives in town. Haunted by night terrors and flashbacks, Elizabeth is determined to keep to herself, only using men to briefly take her mind of what had happened that day. After treating an injury and seeing Elizabeth’s bullet wound, Matt researches her past, only to find out that she had been a school teacher - the victim of a mass-shooting – and had watched as her students had been gunned down in front of her. But her biggest secret of that day is one that she is determined to take to her grave. With both Matt and Elizabeth having such low self-esteems, they are taken by surprise at the fact that they start falling for each other. With a secret as big as the one Elizabeth carries, only fate will determine what the future holds in store for them both.
Bravo! Karla Brandenberg’s book is filled with highly sensitive topics, yet is well-written and presented in such a way that I shed many tears. Several different characters, each with completely different personas and backgrounds, interact in such a way that strong emotions are shaken hard (but not stirred). Elizabeth’s constant denial that she needs help, and her insistence that she can deal with the trauma of what had happened that day on her own, is something that many people with PTSD go through. Some disconnect completely from reality when an anxiety attack is triggered. I liked that Matt was concerned enough for this stranger that he chose to look deeper for answers, in order to try and help Elizabeth onto the road to recovery. Even with his own problems and self-doubts, Matt had enough compassion to see Elizabeth through her darkest of days, opening up the possibility that there might be a light at the end of both of their dark tunnels. I enjoy stories that are complex, and Cookie Therapy is one of the most tightly interwoven, suspenseful and powerful reads I have ever come across. I recommend it to those over the age of 15 years who like bumpy roads, twists and turns wrapped up in a delicately balanced romance-drama.
Cookie Therapy is my first book by Karla Brandenburg and a great surprise. This is a well written book, a very smooth read. Ms Brandenburg has loaded this book with drama, sizzle and a ton of humor. Her characters are lovable, charming and make this book fantastic. Elizabeth and Matt's story had me laughing all through the book. I enjoyed Cookie Therapy and look forward to reading more from Karla Brandenburg in the future. Cookie Therapy is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I received an ARC of this book for review purposes.
BookLife Prize for Fiction http://booklife.com/project/cookie-th... Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10 Originality: 9 out of 10 Prose: 10 out of 10 Character/Execution: 10 out of 10 Overall: 9.50 out of 10 Assessment:
This captivating, heartwarming contemporary is perfect blend of romance and poignancy as a couple effectively addresses the aftereffects of tough choices from their past. Timely and relatable topics elevate the story above ordinary. This well-crafted novel is supported by deftly crafted secondary characters, small town charm, and consistent pacing, while sensitive issues are handled with grace. While this book works very well as a standalone, readers will be interested in reading the entire series.
This took me awhile to get into and by the time I did, I lost interest again.
The problem with this book was that it wasn't sure if it wanted to be woman's fiction or just a straight romance, it could've worked if they had figured out how to combine it and made it a fiction for woman then maybe.
Either way, the characters weren't fully developed, the tragic mystery wasn't too much of a mystery and the characters weren't developed enough for me to sympathize over her self-guilt.
Though the cover makes it look like a beach read or a light and fun romp, it is not. There are some serious issues and the resolution was a little too happy and quick.
And the cookies? Pointless.
NetGalley and publishers are thanked for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
* I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads first reads giveaway program. *
I enjoyed this sweet story from start to finish! The reader's attention is grabbed from the first paragraph and the author never lets the reader go. There was plenty of drama, romance, angst and unpredictable-ness in this story. The reader instantly falls in love with the characters and wants them to have nothing less than a happy ending. Sit back and enjoy this book - you will be craving cookies and small town romance once you are finished!
Elizabeth is somewhat accident-prone. That’s how she meets Matt the firefighter. He comes to her rescue when she slices her hand open on a box of cookies. The fireworks are immediate, but each has reasons not to get involved in a relationship.
Life intervenes, as does Elizabeth’s aunt and Matt’s mom. Despite their intentions to get their act together first before becoming a couple with anyone, Matt and Elizabeth grow their relationship and save each other.
A heartwarming romantic suspense. I love reading Karla Brandenburg’s books.
Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
I voluntarily read this ARC book. It was a awesome read. It was a quick day read. The story of Matt a fireman et Elizabeth a teacher turned hero. Elizabeth has demons from the past. A troubled childhood a mother who didn't know how to love her. Matt who as a high school student found a young love. Then a few years after a betrayal became a father. Now Elizabeth wants a night with Matt. Will they find love ? Will all the friends/family interfere ? A definite recommend. Grab it now.
I really loved Matt, I thought he had a good attitude, “the only reason I’m willing to let you out of this bed now is that there’s a table full of food downstairs. We either have to eat it or put it away.” As his t-shirt had advertised, he did indeed have a long hose." I really enjoyed this heartwarming story, it was sweet and even the naughty bits were sweet. I loved Matt he was a great protecter and lover.
Food and love, love and food. Add a hunky firefighter, and what's not to love? If you like your romance nicely naughty, your HEAs well-earned, and your heroes sweet-hot, then this is a book you'll relish.
First off, the reason I didn't rate this higher is because something felt a little "off" for me. It wasn't stilted by any means but it didn't quite flow seamlessly for me either. Some of the actions of other characters didn't quite click for me. Part of that may be due to having not read any of the prior books set in the town though there were no issues from a plot standpoint.
I loved the traumatic history of the heroine. It really set the scene for why she needed a clean start. The hero's history was also kind of refreshing in that it was a major flaw. I was seriously confused by the whole "ladies' man" reputation for two women since high school but there were hints to gossip and claims by other women so I'll concede that. I was a little confused about the time frame between high school sweethearts, the event, and then the present (three years later), especially when there was a brief mention of college and return and what happened with the Ex but, again, this is probably better covered in Audrey's story and is simply an issue with having jumped into the series.
Also, I didn't really like the heroine's career outlook at the end. Not saying there is anything wrong or not fulfilling with what appeared to be her new job. But there was a big element of convenience associated with it as there were no other real viable options for the parties involved which takes away from it.
And, finally, while I found it kind of interesting that another character's abuser was brought up out of concern for his welfare quite frequently (to the person he abused), I had an issue with how blase everyone was about it, especially with her still being in therapy for it. I understand they have a long history but that is a tough sell for me.
*I received a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway*
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Elizabeth Lambert spent her summer’s growing up at her Aunt’s house in Hoffman Grove. She loved going to visit since it gave her an escape from her mom and dads house. Since becoming a teacher in Houston and living through a shooting at her school she has decided to move to Hoffman Grove and help her Aunt run the family bookstore.
Matt Billings is a firefighter in Hoffman Grove. Matt has lived here all of his life. Everyone in the town knows all about his mistake that he made and has turned him into the one night stand cheater. Now that he has a son that he has to raise on his own he is starting to feel like he might be ready to settle down. And the girl that just arrived in town might be the one to help him get there.
Elizabeth suffers from nightmares about the shooting. And let’s just say she is clumsy as clumsy gets. It seems like every time she hurts herself or has a meltdown the hero fireman is always there to take care of her. Elizabeth decides she wants to live in the moment and starts to work on her bucket list. Adding the handsome fireman to the list will cause issues to her not wanting a relationship. It seems like everyone in town is trying to push Elizabeth and Matt together, including his adorable son.
“Damn that man and his adorable child,”
I really, really enjoyed this book. This is the second book that I have read by this author and let’s just say that she has yet to let me down. I laughed, wanted to cry at times and fell in love with Hoffman Grove for the second time.
My Favorite Moment: I don’t have a favorite moment. I have a new favorite book!!
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion...
This is a new author to me, but one I will read more from!
Elizabeth Lambert changes her location after suffering a tragic incident. She goes to her sweet aunts home, not only to help with the book store but to help both woman find peace. Elizabeth is a klutz which leads her to meeting Matthew Billings. He is a very fine firefighter and paramedic. Who, not only has been called to Elizabeth's aunts many times, but also has his own problems. Elizabeth thinks a one night stand with Matt will get him out of her system. Silly girl, he is too hot for that!!!
Then their is Trey, Matts son. He too falls for Elizabeth. But there is some misunderstanding there. It will take the help of the circle of friends, now family, and Matt's mother and Elizabeth's aunt to encourage Matt and Elizabeth to take a chance on happiness.
Trust me you should take a risk and read this great book. You will love it too!
Karla Brandenburg has raised the bar with this book. Elizabeth, the heroine, has survived an active shooter situation and “one night with a handsome hero” is on her new bucket list. She meets Matt, a paramedic/firefighter and decides he’ll fit the bill. I’ve read other books by Ms. Brandenburg, and each one gets deeper and richer. She follows the conventions of romance without resorting to the clichés of perfect characters. An enjoyable and thought-provoking read.