Hope's Bakery

Magnolia Harbor #1

by Sophie Mays

Hope Nolan is too busy for love, and that is just fine with her. Between her bakery and her six-year-old son, Rylan, her heart and her schedule remain full.

Besides, she knows full well the complications love can bring. One naive choice during her headstrong teenage years saw her facing more responsibility than a girl that age should face. Hope Nolan is strong though, and with the help of her mother, she manages to raise Rylan and run a thriving business in her hometown of Magnolia Harbor.

“The Wedding Cake Queen” they affectionately call her in any town within 20 miles of Magnolia Harbor, and not because she likes weddings. Her cake and cookie decorating skills are the talk of the town, and her blog where she displays her latest creations has twenty times as many followers as the population of Magnolia Harbor.

There’s only one problem, a handsome and well-traveled young chef is opening up a restaurant in the space across from Hope’s bakery, disrupting her satisfying and uncomplicated life. His tiramisu might even manage to steal some of her regular customers.

In the end, Hope will need to decide how she is going to handle this new addition to Main St. She may even learn that the most unexpected miracles happen when chooses to do what’s right for her son, her business, and her heart.


AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a stand-alone story with a HEA ending! Story is a clean romance with no offensive language. This series takes place within the fictional town of Magnolia Harbor and the books can be read out of sequence. Enjoy!

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2017

About the author

Sophie Mays is an Amazon Bestselling sweet romance author who focuses on uplifting and heartwarming stories with a little bit of humor and a lot of heart. Her popular contemporary romance book series' highlight the lovable characters and endearing quirkiness of small-town life.

Aside from writing, Sophie is addicted to audiobooks, DIY projects, podcasts, and scouring recipe books and blogs in search of the perfect "healthy" dessert to bring to parties (...or to eat alone at her computer while writing.)

You can follow her on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Bookbub!

Reviews

[Yasmin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was pretty disappointed with this one. This is the first I've read from this author. This was supposed to be a quick, fluffy and clean romance (which I enjoy and read a lot of) but it didn't deliver. I almost gave up within the first 3% of the book but I went back to some of the reviews and was convinced to push through. However, it did not get better for me. Hope says she loves her job, but it felt like she was complaining most of the time. The plot centered mostly on her growing her business and then the romance was thrown in on the side. I totally thought that the struggle of the story would be her ex coming back into town trying to win her back; cliche, yes, but it would have been more exciting than listening to her complaints. Additionally, it felt like there never was an actual relationship; just some walking home together and a few kisses on the side for kicks. At no pint in the story is there a relationship defined. The very end is the first time anyone says, "I love you." The span of time between chapters was sometimes months or an entire season. What?? Months, and their "relationship" would still be in the same place...no progression. In the beginning she mentions that if she has a good 6 months she can hire an extra worker; that time comes and though business was very good, it doesn't seem likely that she can hire multiple employees. And lastly, minor as it is, at one point her 6 year old is doing multiplication homework.....umm, nope. I have a 6 year old and she is doing first grade work which is primarily adding and subracting whereas my 8 year old is doing third grade work which is, in fact, multiplication. Lots of random opinions here, but everything added up to a completely unfeasible story that I did not care for.

[Ru4repeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully decadent

I really enjoyed the slow build up of the romance in this one. It reminds me of the several hour wait time for the lady fingers to soak up the liquid when making tiramisu. (This reference will make sense once you've read the book)
*Side note check out Mel's Kitchen Cafe for a delicious chocolate tiramisu made with cocoa instead of coffee! I hate the smell of coffee so I need substitutes. ;-)
With the detailed descriptions about cake layers, color choices, and finishing touches I could easily visualize the various desserts, dinners, and setting. This book was a delight for all my senses!
On a steaminess level I would rate this a hot PG. The kissing didn't get out of line, but there was heat.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a wonderful book. Not overly romantic. But about a young woman struggling to keep her own store thriving and at the same time spent some quality time with her family. She is not looking for love, but it finds it anyway.
Well written, with a good plot and interesting characters.
I received a copy and chose to review it.

[Vera mallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

STORY-LINE HOPE'S BAKERY BY SOPHIE MAYS:

In Hope's Bakery, single mother Hope Nolan, owns Hope's Bakery; the only one of its kind in her small town. Hope's life has not been easy as her son father's left without a word and never seen again. Since then, Hope stayed away from her church, using work as an excuse. Often her mother tries to persuade Hope to attend and reconnect with her church family.

So far, the bakery's doing well; she's known around town as the “The Wedding Cake Queen”. If things continue to go well, in six months, Hope can hire a helper which will free up much-needed time for her. With her small son to support, her bakery needs to succeed. Watching every penny, doing all the work herself, and worrying if the orders will keep coming, Hope lives with daily stress.

However, disaster looms on the horizon. A new restaurant's opening up across the street serving deserts and coffee, as well as, meals. The chef's extensively trained in Italy; which scares Hope to death. If her bakery goes under, what will she do? How will she support Rylan? Meeting the chef, Michael, she feels attraction immediately. But, she has no time for men or romance. However, Michael will not go away; coming to the bakery every morning for coffee and sweets. How will all this play out? Will love bloom for Hope? My romance book review of Hope's Bakery follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

First I must say I loved this book which author, Sophie Mays, filled with emotion and family dynamics. Mays built the romance in Hope's Bakery gently and slowly. The reader discovers Michael's a Christian man searching for forever; not heated emotions of the moment. With Christian values and faith in God, he gently shows Hope a better way of business and life. Including Rylan's a skillful stroke as he's a wonderful child. I wanted to kiss him all over his face and tickle him until he cried for help.

Hope's stress, worry, and fear of a romantic relationship must be faced and resolved. as well as, her control issues. Letting the hurt, betrayal, and insecurities she suffered by her husband's desertion take over her life is not what God intends for her. Developing Hope from a frightened, insecure, and emotionally closed off woman, Mays skillfully led her towards what God wants for her; through Michael's intervention, Hope sees a better way of life. God puts what we need in place when we need it. The Christian lessons in Hope's Bakery are subtle without pushing or preaching; yet spot on. Hope must realize she has a strong man, friends, and a large church family standing ready to help her in any way they can.

With plotting which flowed smoothly and well-developed characters, Mays created a first-class sweet clean Christian romance. Mays writing's clear and easy to follow with smooth transition between the scenes and sets a relaxing pace; making the book enjoyable to read. Hope's Bakery's perfect for a weekend of lazy reading. A satisfying and entertaining read, Hope's Bakery sets a high standard of writing, romance, and values for others. Mays had no need of fluff or sex to sell her story, as her writing ability alone's sufficient. It's wonderful to read a love story which is not full of descriptive sex and four letter words. I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend.

HOPE'S BAKERY RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this book from Love, Light, Faith Publishing and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest Christian romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. Without hesitation I can say, no one influenced my voluntary Christian romance book reviews.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. I liked the story of Hope and Michael. Hope is a single mother of her son Rylan and operates a bakery that specializes in wedding cakes. Michael just moved back to town and plans to open the diner across from the bakery. Michael is planning to renovate the diner and open an Italian restaurant, but reassures Hope it will be no threat to her bakery. Soon they become friends with Michael often walking Hope home and he becomes close to Rylan also. When Michael's restaurant opens, he invites Hope, Rylan and her mother to a meal where critics will be attending. Hope soon realizes she has feelings for Michael and has to decide if she can take the chance on love again. This was a sweet, clean romance that will leave you feeling good about love. good book.

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Mays is a new author to me and what a wonderful find. Such a well written story with such vivid descriptions that Magnolia Harbour certainly seems like a real place to me filled with interesting people and a great place to live. In this book we meet Hope, a single mum, her six year old son Rylan and she owns a very successful bakery. But then competition moves in across the street from her when Michael, a chef who can make the most orgasmic tiramisu , could potentially compete for the same customers. But attraction between them is going to make the competition all the sweeter. This is a wonderful story and I'm looking for my next story by Sophie Mays to enjoy and read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Most Definitely Recommended

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopes Bakery

This was a story of love and hardships as well as family. Hope had a tough time when her husband up and left her after finding out she was pregnant . She put herself through school and the started her own bakery of which she worked long and hard at to make it a great success. Another party leased an old diner across the road and opened up an Italian eatery, which she was sure would spoil her business. After a visit from a famous blogger she was not long in changing her tune as her business started to grow faster than she was prepared for. Michael talked her into returning to church and spending more time with her son and mother. This was such an amazing book to read and this is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope has trouble trusting. She works extra long hours to keep her bakery open instead of hiring and trusting an assistant. She's sure the new eatery across the street will take business from her. She doesn't even trust that her church family will welcome her after a long absence from Sunday services.

And then the new guy in town, the one opening the eatery across the street, refers business her way. He's just being nice to her, but why? Did he wink at her? He isn't interested in her, right?

All of her fears prove unfounded. God is good and blesses her abundantly, even in bringing Michael into her life.

I really enjoyed this sweet, Christian story. The only angst was in Hope's head as she tried to do it all by herself.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it

Hope is a single mum who opened her own bakery and is building up her beloved business. When she hears that someone has bought the long vacant diner over the road she becomes very worried about the effects it may have in her bakery

Michael bought the diner and is having it completely remodelled. He likes Hope and the bakery and starts to spend more and more time over there but Hope is wary due to her worries

This is a clean romantic read, the characters are all loveable and have great chemistry. The story flows really well and it is a great feel good romantic story

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slower pace than a lot of what I've been reading lately, and it was a very nice change of pace. The romance is a very gradual build and the relationship between Hope and Michael is utterly adorable. It was so sweet watching Michael go out of his way to look out for Hope, to take care of her in ways that wouldn't conflict with her need to look after herself. And I really enjoyed watching Hope learn to trust in love again. Rylan was such an awesome secondary character that he almost steals the book in several places. I look forward to seeing what else is in store for Magnolia Harbor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet contemporary Christian romance novel and the the first book in the Magnolia Harbor series of books. This book is about Hope Nolan mother of a six year old boy and owner of a renowned bakery. She is known all over for her wedding cakes. When a new chef moves to town and opens an Italian restaurant across the street, she feels threatened by the competition. Her heart is also wounded because her husband left her when she was pregnant and she's struggled to be a single mother and a business woman. A sweet Christian clean romance. I voluntarily reviewed an arc copy of this book.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and Clean Romance – Realistic and Faith-Filled
This is a heart-warming story in the vein of a Hallmark movie. Our heroine has been doing it all on her own and has some trust issues to go along with her need to be in control. Our Hero helps her learn to grow, trust others and open up to God’s plans. I love this story! The plot is good, the characters realistic and its quite the page turner. The food basis for this story really got my taste buds going – which is bad for a diabetic like me! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my honest review. I will be reading more of this author’s work!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope is a single mother making her place in the world with her bakery. She's known all around for her love of weddings and her cake skills. She doesn't need anything in her life to disrupt it. Then Michael comes along with his restaurant and skills that could put a dent in her dessert business. She doesn't have time for the love that the competition of the businesses brings to her life...or does she?

This was a cute, clean romance. It took me a little bit to get into it at the beginning but I liked it a lot by the end!

Voluntary honest review after reading an ARC of the book.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. It was a cute love story. As much as I really like reading romance novels where things get hot and heavy (and fast), it was a refreshing change to read a story where the relationship progressed slower. I liked how Hope and Michael became friends first, especially considering Rylan was in the picture. Their relationship was sweet. I would read more by this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to see the main character grow in various ways. In the beginning, she's afraid to open herself up to love and even isolates herself from her church family. By the end, she learns that others don't judge her as harshly as she judges herself and makes herself vulnerable by falling in love. She also wants control of her life which manifests itself by wanting to do everything at her business herself, resulting in long hours. She does finally learn to relinquish control.

The writing is well done, and the characters are personable.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope’s Bakery by Sophie Mays makes you feel hopeful. The storyline is good and the characters are developed. I like how Sophie Mays started out making Hope cautious and fearful of failure even after she is successful; then you watch her choose to let go a little bit at a time. This is a sweet Christian romance that doesn’t shove religion in your face yet it still comes through. This is my first read by Sophie Mays, but I hope to read many more by her. A definite read if you like clean Christian romances. I received an ARC but voluntarily read and gave my honest and fair review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is a single mom who has a way with decorating cakes and cookies and keeps herself plenty busy with her small bakery. Michael is a chef who has opened a restaurant across the street from Hope's bakery. When Hope thought this would cause competition for her business, the last thing she expected to find was romance. Characters that are fun to like, a story line that's enjoyable to read, clean and wholesome. What more could you want in a great contemporary romance?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and warm

Hope's Bakery is the first book in the Magnolia Harbor series by Sophie Mays. This book is the story of Hope Nolan and Michael Breslin. This is a clean romance which centered around Hope being a single mother and her bakery business. But when Micheal moves to town to open an Italian restaurant across from her bakery there is some friction and some romance.
This is a sweet story that is an easy read. I am not really into Christian romance but having read a previous book by this author that I enjoyed I decided to pick this book up. Overall this was a nice story.

[Gerri Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet and filled with heart warming characters in a faith based bakery setting. You can’t help but fall in love with Hope, Rylan and Michael. Hope is like so many Christians finding herself overwhelmed by life. She is a single parent trying to provide for her son and herself. Keeping her dream of a operating a bakery in a small town is a full time and a half job. Hope has trouble making time for all the things in her life. God works in mysterious ways. Read the book to find out exactly what happens!

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Hope runs a little bakery to support her and her son. Thankfully her mother is there to help. Things are going smoothly until she learns that someone is opening a restaurant across the street. How will this restaurant effect her business. Then enter Michael, the owner of the new restaurant. Things change rapidly for Hope some good and some really good. Can Hope overcome her fears and open her heart to all the changes. Can she learn to release control not only of her business but her heart

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming read

This was a delightful book. I enjoyed the development of the characters. Hope was a down to earth mother and business woman. I loved the persistence of Michael and his gentle love that coaxed the best out of Hope. I liked how Hope had to make a choice of getting back to her roots of faith. I recommend to anyone wanting a charming lighthearted read. I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion that is voluntarily given.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short,sweet story of finding confidence and love. I thought the author did a good job describing Hope's worries and Michael's understanding. By adding the supporting characters she was able to flow the story fluidly. I'm especially touched when there's children involved as in this story.It's well written,moves quickly and smoothly and I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope's Bakery is the first book in the Magnolia Harbor series. It is a sweet, clean romance with charming characters and a good storyline that focusses on Hope's growth and ability to find a work/life balance. While I do like that she and Michael became friends first and let the feelings build, but the romantic feelings were perhaps a little too slow in coming.

I will read more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book.

[Elke · Rating 5 out of 5]

clean/worrying romance
When the writer knows what they are talking about, an honest review is simple. The writing pulls at your heart...makes you want to fight for love, and will make you not want to put the book down!!! I cant get enough of the characters. The emotion that you can feel through each page. Love that makes your heart want to...re-read...over & over. This is an easy enjoyable read !

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sophia Mays; she has done a great job at writing a good collection of books; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this boxset via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Norma Wiegert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Nolan is a single Mom who is a talented baker with amazing cake and cookie decorating skills which keep her busy in her bakery in the small town of Magnolia Harbor. When chef Michael comes to town and opens a restaurant across the street from Hope's Bakery Hope fears her business will suffer. What she doesn't expect is that romance in on the horizon. this is a delightful read with a HEA ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story

A very good story that will make you drool with all the enticing cookies and cakes in Hope's bakery. She's very happy with her shop untiil she learns that a restaurant is going to open across the street. She already suffers from insecurities and is afraid the restaurant might affect her business in a negative way. A very sweet and touching story. I recommend this book.

[Linda Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance. Hope and Michael are drawn together but she has kept herself from relationships after her earlier disappointment. He really draws her in with his kindness and she finds it hard to resist. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Marie McKenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this cute story

Hope is such a wonderful person. She is raising her son and owns a bakery. She meets Michael when he comes in. He is a chef who is building a restaurant across the street. They click so wonderfully and in the end compliment each other. Food and family are so much throughout this wonderful book. They are so cute together. Love it.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet romance featuring a workaholic single mom who's slowly led to a life of balance by the handsome single restauranteur across the street from her bakery. The novel really didn't include much conflict or tension or even a lot of character growth. One star deducted for multiple proofreading errors.