When Cookies Crumble

York Harbor Series #2

by Karen Coulters

Much anticipated Sequel to 2019 IAN's Book of the Year award-winning novel, Hope from Daffodils.

Researching her past gives her a future she never imagined...

When baking decadent wedding cakes and pastries doesn’t satisfy Emily Vassure’s hunger for knowledge, she seeks the truth from her mother—the only family she’s ever known—but the reality of her mom's failing health leaves her feeling lonely and only more desperate to uncover her father’s identity before it’s too late.

Everything changes when the quirky and musically gifted Duncan Phillips comes to town. Duncan prompts Emily to undergo a mission of self-discovery. Emily searches for clues that just might unleash the truth of her past. But will her future crumble when the secrets are revealed?

367 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2021

About the author

KAREN COULTERS grew up in the Midwest with roots in New England. Traveling to the coast of Maine every summer was a highlight of Karen’s younger years; so, it only made sense that she move there after graduating. Married in 1982, they relocated to New Hampshire, became a mother of two, and grand-mother. Artistic expression has always been in her DNA. She’s performed on stage as a vocalist, actress, and speaker. She’s a writer of scripts that depict real life in order to make someone think and consider change. However, being a novelist has been her lifelong dream. She says, “Timing is everything, and my time came in 2017, when the urge to write became something that I could no longer ignore.”

Reviews

[Anwnh5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute followup to Hope with Daffodils

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her books that are enjoyable and you feel like you are there.

[Jennifer Kaminski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen did it again, once you start you can't put the book down. Nice twist in the story that makes for a more special happy ending to the book. On to the 3 rd book in the series.

[Jena Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy book through and through, that feels like cozy blanket around you in a chilly fall night.

This is a story about finding family, love, and friendship set in the beautiful coast of York, Maine. Emily, a talented baker along with her best friend Sophie, owns an event management business in coastal Maine. She struggles emotionally as she finds the truth about her identity. And without revealing too much, let's just say, meeting Duncan along the way made her question her whole life.

I bought this book at a store by Short Sands Beach, York, Maine, on June 20th, 2025. I'm glad I did. I chose to start with this second book in the series because it appealed to me the most. It's pretty much a beach read for everyone else but me, as I am a very slow reader. The storyline is endearing, albeit a little predictable, but I think that's the charm of it. A cozy read through and through. I love the fact that the author's love of York, Maine, and everything in that area shines through in this book. It makes me want to go back there and maybe live there for some time.

The characters in the book make me want to pursue my creative dreams without fear. It's just that kind of novel that feels like a cozy blanket has been wrapped around you, making you feel comfortable in the midst of a chaotic world. The characters are so well defined that reading them makes you feel like you're part of the story.

With that said, I would just like to comment on typographical errors in this edition. It just might be the fact that it's the first edition. I don't know. But other than that, the story itself is flawless and a good cozy read, especially in fall.

This book is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, and cozy everything - all the ingredients are there. Plus there are recipes included inside which was a plus for me.

[Lorrie Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When baker Emily Vassure's mother, Helen, dies, she leaves Emily with the mystery of her paternity, and a mistrust of men--due to Helen's poor choices. Until Duncan Philips comes into Emily's life--a stranger with whom she feels an instant connection. Much like a favorite recipe, the mystery unfolds step by step until it arrives at its satisfying and delicious conclusion.

[Sherry Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this immensely!

A great story from my friend. It had a good mixture of romance and mystery. I loved it! Thank you.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number two book done. Starting the 3rd in series.

[Martha Bergin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series to enjoy while in York. I love the characters and what has happened since the first book . Looking forward to the third book .