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Copper Creek #3

Baker's Dozen

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Owen Campbell is more than the town baker—he’s also the player out of all the Campbell boys. A tragic accident brings a secret to light that turns his world on its head and forces him to reconsider his lifestyle.

Ginny Robinson is alone, and that’s the way she likes it. While she loves teaching, the circumstances of her employment leave her thinking about leaving town. Until she meets Owen.

When Owen asks her to move in, Ginny’s afraid it’s for all the wrong reasons.

Can he work out what the right reasons are?

The third book in the Copper Creek series continues the story of the Campbell family.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2017

278 people are currently reading
250 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Smith

24 books164 followers
Wendy Smith published as Ariadne Wayne for three years before deciding she didn’t want to be someone else all the time. She’s an Apple Books and Nook bestselling author, whose book In the End, written as Ariadne Wayne, was named one of Apple’s best books of 2017. All her stories come with a quirky sense of humour, and she cries over everything.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
April 22, 2018
Baker's Dozen by Wendy Smith is book Three in the Copper Creek series. This is the story of Owen and Ginny. I have read the previous books but feel this can be a standalone book.
Owen besides being the town baker is also the brother that gets around a lot with the women. Never thinking of staying with a women until he meets Ginny and another life changing event.
Ginny is Max's teach who is Owen's nephew they happen to meet at a family wedding that Max invited her too. Ginny never really met Owen because due to a health issue she doesn't eat certain foods. But now that Owen has Ginny in his sites can he be what she needs?
Sweet story.
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
November 26, 2017
I love those Campbell boys! I loved reading about Adam and he was my favorite. Then I read about Drew and he was my favorite. Then I read about Owen. And “the player” of Copper Creek is now my favorite. His player ways haunt him in this book and he has to figure out if he can truly be a family man! But we still get visits from all the other Campbell boys and their women! If you’ve read the first 2 books in the series definitely pick this one up. If you haven’t read the first 2 books then definitely read those first, Coming Home and Doctor’s Orders.

Reviewed by: Alexis B.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews545 followers
May 19, 2019
I was interested to read Owen's book, wanted to see how the author took the town man-whore and redeemed him. The thing about Owen and his women was that it never seemed he came off as cruel to his women, just that there were lots of them. That, along with how he cared for Lily and Haley, when needed, made me want to like him, unlike other characters that are portrayed as redeemed man-whores.

I liked that this one started out with Drew and Haley's wedding, nice to see them still living their happy life. The wedding was fun and brought in the new characters that we needed. I loved Ginny's connection to the Campbell's and how special she was to Max.

Ginny was more than a match for Owen and I was glad that she didn't fall at Owen's feet, more that she made him work to get to know her, to earn the right to be in her life. I also really liked that when Owen was having a couple of tough days Ginny was there to care for him, something no one did. This really laid the foundation for them as a couple and helped them weather things to come.

As soon as the car crash happened and we learned who was in it, I knew where things were headed. While I hated what happened in the aftermath, I liked that when given the chance Owen stepped in and did the right thing for his daughter. Owen really could have railed against things, including Cara, instead he looked to what was most important, Ava and did what he could so she could feel safe and loved.

The small and large ways that both Owen and Ginny welcomed Ava was great. By showing her she was important and let her help in building her knew life, I think helped in her adjustment. I loved how things ended with the 3 of them, it was perfect for the new family.

One a side note, I loved and hated the excitement that Haley and Drew had. I was glad that things ended well there and that Haley seemed to exercise a ghost along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews446 followers
November 30, 2017
Bakers Dozen by Wendy Smith is the third book in the Copper Creek Series. Owen is the sexy hot baker in town but he is a bit of a man whore. He doesn’t do commitment and runs from even the hint of the C word. Ginny Robinson is a sweet and gorgeous teacher who has captured Owen’s attention at a family wedding. She has her own issues with men from her past and a couple of other physical issues which impact her present life. Owen and Ginny meet and the chemistry between them is electric and quite sizzling. Tragedy strikes soon after their meeting which turns Owen’s world upside down and miring it in sadness and confusion. Soon Owen starts to think about his life in ways he never would have before. Ways that would include Ginny. We also get more of Drew and Hayley in this book. Owen and Ginny’s story is filled with real problems, angst, drama, passion, sadness, humor, happiness and LOVE. This is one fantastic edition to the Copper Creek series and I loved Owen’s 360 change from player to man in love. Ginny brought wonderful change, and great love to this romance read.

My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,770 reviews56 followers
November 29, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review

A swoony, sweet, seductive romance that is fun, scrumptious, had me eager to turn the pages and had great characters and a really good storyline. Baker's Dozen was a story that had good solid heart. I loved how well put together it was and how easy it was for me to get into the book. I found myself sighing...OUT LOUD at times and nibbling my lip while flipping the pages. When I had to put the book down, it was constantly on my mind and I itched to pick it back up and read more. It made me smile and sigh and made me sniffle more than once. I just really liked it!

Owen is such a dreamy hero. I loved how sexy he was and how he was so respectful and good to Ginny he was. I found him to be a little guarded but caring none the less and Ginny was equally as kind and sweet and pretty. Their story is so sweet and kind of perfect if you asked me.

I give this book a SWOON WORTHY FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2017
♡♡Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions ♡ ♡

I gave this book 4.5 stars!

This is the first book I have from Ms. Smith and I have to say that I will be checking out more of her work and more of these Campbell boys!!!

In this book we meet Owen who is a baker, a volunteer firefighter, and the town playboy. We also meet Ginny who is a school teacher, she know of Owen's family because she helped his nephew when he was struggling with school. She has had a bad relationship in the past and not sure if she wants to peruse anything yet.

Owen and Ginny meet at Owen's brothers wedding and just when they both feel like they can talk to each other Owen gets called away to a car accident. When Owen arrives he finds that his ex and her husband died instant and their little girl is lone survivor. Their is no other family members and is taken into foster care. When Owen returns he is not only thinking about his ex but life in general and how he wants to put his bad boy ways to the side and start wanting more. When he finds himself being more attracted to Ginny and wanting more with her, can she put herself out there? Can she stop listening to the rumors? Can she handle the surprises that comes into their lives?

I found this book took us on a ride and I for one truly enjoyed reading it. I cant wait to read more.
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,042 reviews317 followers
April 11, 2024
I loved reading Owen's story, and discovering just why he chose to be a player. What I also really like about these stories is that we get the continuing stories of the rest of Owen's family. In this book we see quite a bit more of Drew and Hayley too.

I flew through this book. The style of writing is so easy to read and the plot held my attention throughout. The pace is perfect and I really, really liked both Owen and Ginny, with their sweet personalities and big hearts. They are normal and so very believable that they feel like real people.

The books in this series are a wonderful blend of family saga and contemporary romance. The angst arises more from real life issues than the cliche of boy and girl get together, boy and girl fall out, boy and girl make up. Whilst this is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone, though knowing all the back story would enhance the reading experience even more.
Profile Image for Em__Jay.
918 reviews
December 1, 2017
Baker’s Dozen is Book 3 in the Wendy Smith’s Copper Creek series. This book features Owen Campbell, baker extraordinaire and Ginny, a local school teacher.

The book is well plotted and it’s easy to follow. I liked the writing style. It’s nicely paced and there’s a relaxed feel about it that is reminiscent of my knowledge of New Zealanders. I liked that the setting and characters live everyday lives; No one’s a billionaire ready to throw piles of money at a problem. And I liked the small town feel and it would have been nice to know more about the town and its inhabitants in general. The sexy moments are at times descriptive but not overly steamy.

Owen Campbell is a man-whore. His reputation precedes him and this causes problems when he falls for Ginny. Ginny, is also attracted to Owen but she has her own issues to contend with in addition to people around her continuously telling her Owen will never stick around. Even though there were a few wobbly moments, I liked than neither Owen nor Ginny played games. They were honest and communicated with each other.

The book is set over several months so we get to see Owen and Ginny as they tackle individual issues they both need to address and we also get to see them grow as couple.

I did feel the continuing story of Drew & Hayley (Copper Creek Book 2) was an intrusion. While Owen and Ginny’s story can be read as a standalone, at least 3 chapters in this book are told from Drew’s point of view and the focus is on him and Hayley. This more than likely appeals to readers of the previous books in the series but as a first time reader, I felt like I was missing out.

https://emjayreads.blogspot.com.au/
Profile Image for Bellereader.
733 reviews52 followers
December 1, 2017
Owen and Ginny are the perfect blend of sweet and spice and everything oh so nice! Ginny tries the darndest for her students and tries to make everyone feel as special as they are. It seems that in the fews years since she has been teaching in town she has had a real difference. Kids like Max Campbell have really grown and prospered under her tutelage. The only down side to her job is her slimy boss Nathan who's inappropriate advances and innuendos make her almost want to find another job. When she attends the wedding of Drew and Hayley she is introduced to Drew’s brother Owen. Known as the town's ladies man she knows she should be wary but the sweet family oriented baker is nothing like the smooth talking lothario she was expecting. Owen has always been Mr. Love’em and Leave’em but something about Ginny has him thinking a little more long term. He works hard to prove to Ginny that he is a changed man and that this time around he is in it for the long haul. When after the tragic and untimely passing of an old fling and her husband, it comes to light their daughter was actually his he is floored. All of sudden he is the father of a four year old! Owen already loves Ava though and will do anything to make her and Ginny his family forever. Now he just to convince Ginny that he has risen to occasion!

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy if this book.
Profile Image for Patricia Charlton.
973 reviews9 followers
February 21, 2024
Good Book

This is book 3 of the series and even though it says it can be read as a standalone I don’t think that works as each book interlinks from the first one.
This is Owen & Ginny and we know from the other 2 books Owen is a player and has said he will never settle and Ginny is Max’s teacher who he adores and is not a one night stand kind of girl.
They meet at Drew & Hayley’s wedding and they have a chemistry but Owen is called away as he is a volunteer firefighter and there is a bad accident.
Owen finds out he has a daughter after the accident and this is about him not only navigating the first real relationship he has ever had (Ginny) but also how to be a new father to a 4 year old daughter.
It’s a lovely story and Owen & Ginny become a very lovable couple.
Again as I said in my other reviews this is the first author I have come across that has chapters dedicated to the previous brothers book so in book 2 (Drew & Hayley we see Adam pops up with a few chapters and then in this book Drew pops up).
I’m still not sure about that but it doesn’t spoil the books it’s just the first time I have seen this and I thinks it’s kind of weird.
I would expect the other couples to be mentioned as I stated earlier they are interlinked as all the men are brothers.
This is a lovely romantic story and I adore Ava.
Profile Image for CHERRY0BLOSSOMS.
430 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2018

I gave this book 4.5 stars!

This is the first book I have from Ms. Smith and I have to say that I will be checking out more of her work and more of these Campbell boys!!!

In this book we meet Owen who is a baker, a volunteer firefighter, and the town playboy. We also meet Ginny who is a school teacher, she know of Owen's family because she helped his nephew when he was struggling with school. She has had a bad relationship in the past and not sure if she wants to peruse anything yet.

Owen and Ginny meet at Owen's brothers wedding and just when they both feel like they can talk to each other Owen gets called away to a car accident. When Owen arrives he finds that his ex and her husband died instant and their little girl is lone survivor. Their is no other family members and is taken into foster care. When Owen returns he is not only thinking about his ex but life in general and how he wants to put his bad boy ways to the side and start wanting more. When he finds himself being more attracted to Ginny and wanting more with her, can she put herself out there? Can she stop listening to the rumors? Can she handle the surprises that comes into their lives?

I found this book took us on a ride and I for one truly enjoyed reading it. I cant wait to read more.
Profile Image for Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder).
2,236 reviews
November 30, 2017
This is the third book of the series by Wendy Smith. I admit being intrigued by Owen from the first two stories. This book brings to light just what a great guy he really is.

Owen and Ginny meet at his brother's wedding. They have a chemistry but Ginny knows all about Owen from the small town gossips. He is a player and she wants no part of that. Well, maybe a little bit of that but she is determined to make Owen work for it.

I saw the twist coming a mile away but it didn't detract from the relationship building happening between Owen and Ginny. I also enjoy how this author is writing this as a family saga. There are multiple chapters about Drew & Hayley and Lily and Adam and what is happening in their lives as well.

Still really happy with the closeness of this group of brothers. Looking forward to seeing how the last two fall and keeping up with everyone else right along with them. Humor, steamy chemistry, many touching moments and kiddos all around---great romantic read!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,066 reviews67 followers
April 19, 2018
Review by: Melanie
(4 stars)

Baker’s Dozen is of course Owen’s story. I say of course because as we know from the first two books, he owns the bakery in Copper Creek. Whilst at his brother Drew and Hayley’s wedding he meets local school teacher Ginny, and despite Owen’s reputation as a man whore commitment-phobe, Ginny eventually gives Owen a chance and agrees to date him. A creepy co-worker and a BIG surprise for Owen test the pair’s relationship, but they both work to stay together despite everything. Just like the last book, we also get to see more of the previous book’s couple in this one. In this case, we follow Drew and Hayley’s pregnancy, which has quite the drama affecting the pair.

This was a less dramatic story than the last book, but it was a sweet (pardon the pun) romance, with a tiny bit of drama and it leaves you with a nice happy feeling when you finish. Another very enjoyable read in this series, and I give Baker’s Dozen 4 stars.
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews15 followers
November 24, 2017
I adored this book. The story was well written and was such a heart wrenching yet joyful story line. The characters are wonderfully written and very well defined. Owen is the hot baker in town, but he's always been a player. Commitment was something he didn't do because of something that happened in his past. Ginny is a beautiful teacher who has her own issues with men from her past and a couple of other physical issues. These two meet has Owen's brother's wedding and the attraction is instant. Tragedy strikes soon after their meeting, turning Owen's world on it's axis in a way he never would have expected, making him begin to think about how short life is. What happens after this will make you smile, make you angry, make you sad and will take your heart. It's a beautiful story and one that will leave you smiling. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for FMR Book Grind.
2,189 reviews125 followers
December 4, 2017
GINA'S REVIEW
4 STARS

This book was ok, I wanted to love it but I didn’t.

The concept of the story is fantastic but I felt at times it was too drawn out and in others, not enough.

The characters are likeable enough but they don’t seem to connect with each other easily which made it hard for me to connect with the characters.

The little girl Ava is adorable and Ginny is amazing. Owen is determined to show Ginny he has changed and that he is no longer a wham bam, thank you mam kind of a guy. Their journey towards their HEA isn’t too bad. They don’t have any big angsty moments or anything, there was one little detail that comes out but it has no impact on the outcome of the story.
The book is full of new beginnings and a family full of people who are ready to embrace it with open arms.

This book is an overall good read and would be great to take away on holidays!
Profile Image for Shell Giallo.
31 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2017
Baker's Dozen is the story of Owen, the town baker and playboy, and Ginny, a school teacher.

Owen and Ginny meet at a town wedding and there is an instant spark. Owen is a little shocked that this woman is holding his interest. After a terrible accident, Owen's life is turned on it's head but with Ginny in his life, he can see that there's more to life than one night stands. The change in Owen after meeting Ginny is amazing.

As with Wendy's previous book, we get to catch up with Adam and Lily as well as Drew and Hayley.

I absolutely loved this book and, like past books, can't wait for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Vanessa Lawford.
1,176 reviews10 followers
November 17, 2017
I loved this book and I mean I LOVED it. I couldn't put it down. This series is captivating and I love the people and their stories.

Baker's Dozen is about Owen, the baker and Ginny, a teacher. They meet at Owen's brother wedding and have an instant chemistry that cannot be denied.

I liked how this story had chapters from the previous books couple (Drew and Hayley) to continue on with their story.

A definite must read for anyone who loves romance and happy ever afters!

An ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review by Sweet Treats Book Blog.
329 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2025
Absolutely An Awesome Story!

A confirmed playboy forever,Owen has a life changing episode when he is called out to a fatal accident. Discovering that it was a woman that he was involved with. Her and her husband perished leaving a little girl to survive. She is put in foster care. He has befriended Ginny and she comforts him on the death of Cara. He later finds out that Ava is his daughter. So he and Ginny have so much to deal with and they come through it all and become a family. I recommend this story to anyone who loves a happy ending story!
Profile Image for Taoanebr.
233 reviews9 followers
January 9, 2018
Book 200 on my Goodreads challenger and I couldn't be happier.

Baker's Dozen is the story of Owen & Ginny

After a terrible car crash, Owen's life is about to change forever, something that he couldn't see coming but will change his life for good.

I love that I can get more of from Drew & Hayley and Lily and Adam.

Wendy's writes beautifully sexy romances, with real problems, struggles, sadness, happiness and I'm a sucker for her books.

5 HUGE Amazing Stars!!!

Thank You Wenky
Profile Image for Mindy.
900 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters. I like that it shows how life can change in an instant good or bad. Sometimes you need that bad life change to find the good. I really like how strong all the characters were especially the little girl.
This is a book 3 and I didn't realize that when I started it. It worked good as a stand alone but I feel like im missing the story of the other characters so I need to go back and read the previous books.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,293 reviews35 followers
January 1, 2018
Sweet,heartaching beautiful

Loving this series now come meet Owen is he as bad as they say with his reputation. Ginny sweet loving teacher with a secret of her own. Then there's Drew and Hayley starting there wedding life what happens so beautiful loving the Campbell brother's come read fall in love.
1,347 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2022
Owen was a love them and leave so he didn't run the risk of falling in love and getting hurt

Owen finds the love of his life Ginny, then finds out he is the father of a four year old daughter, who's parents were killed in a car accident. I would recommend this book and series for mature readers.
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
981 reviews22 followers
September 16, 2023
Copper Creek Book 3

I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first two in the series. I think what frustrated me was knowing Owen fathered a child in the previous book but he didn't find out till halfway through this one. I get we needed to watch Owen and Ginny's relationship develop but I would have preferred to see Owen find out earlier.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,293 reviews35 followers
January 1, 2018
Loving this series now come meet Owen is he as bad as they say with his reputation. Ginny sweet loving teacher with a secret of her own. Then there's Drew and Hayley starting there wedding life what happens so beautiful loving the Campbell brother's come read fall in love.
Profile Image for Melanie.
728 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2018
This was a less dramatic story than the last book, but it was a sweet (pardon the pun) romance, with a tiny bit of drama and it leaves you with a nice happy feeling when you finish. Another very enjoyable read in this series, and I give Baker’s Dozen 4 stars.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,325 reviews362 followers
July 18, 2018
Owen Campbell and Ginny Robinson.

I am not keen on manwhore types but there are no other women other than Ginny, there is a bit of ex drama in the form of spiteful comments, looks etc.

Plenty of secondary characters and a continuation of the couple from the previous book, Drew and Hayley.
Profile Image for Tracy.
367 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2020
Third book and still storues that grip you as you follow these brothers and their partners as they grow into families of their own.
Owen and Ginny havd a story that covers loss and love, another good read x
Profile Image for Diane Oliver bush.
63 reviews
March 14, 2021
Love this series

I love this series. Owen and Ginny are so sweet together. Finding Ava was a wonderful thing although heart breaking. They make a beautiful family. Hopefully their family will grow.
Profile Image for Peggy Henstra.
701 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2024
Review

Loved Owen and Ginny's story. Owen finds himself attracted to Ginny for her kindness she shows him. Weary due to his past, Ginny tries to keep distance from Owen. Fate had other plans.
Profile Image for Sarah Tummey.
Author 1 book8 followers
January 24, 2025
I much preferred the second half of this, as it was more dramatic. I wasn't that interested in the main characters; they didn't seem to react strongly to anything, but I enjoyed reading the continuation of Drew's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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