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The Gingerbread Inn #1
Her Christmas Handyman
Hope's holiday is interrupted when she's accused of stealing from a guest.
Can she prove her innocence before it's too late?
Helping her grandmother after her hip surgery was a no-brainer for Hope Masterson. She and two of her cousins came willing and able to keep the "Gingerbread Inn" up and running. She had no idea she would meet a boy she'd known in her youth, who now worked at the inn. The lanky teen Hope remembers is now a ruggedly handsome man, and amazingly, his sights are set on her.
Enoch Dunlap had been content with his work at the "Gingerbread Inn". As the resident handyman, his life was comfortable and predictable. But when his employer's granddaughters come to help over the holidays, his peaceful existence is turned on its head as soon as he lays eyes on Hope. She's just as quiet as she was when they were younger, but his attraction to her is definitely not a teenage crush.
When food and other items begin to disappear around the inn, everyone is surprised and a little dismissive. But when the thief escalates to stealing jewelry and Hope is accused of doing the deed, they spring into action. Can Hope and Enoch clear her name before it's time to go back to her regular life? And a bigger question...will she even want to?
Her Christmas Handyman is the first sweet story in The Gingerbread Inn Christmas Romance Trilogy. If you enjoy clean romance with a dash of suspense, you'll adore Laura Ann's charming tale!
Can she prove her innocence before it's too late?
Helping her grandmother after her hip surgery was a no-brainer for Hope Masterson. She and two of her cousins came willing and able to keep the "Gingerbread Inn" up and running. She had no idea she would meet a boy she'd known in her youth, who now worked at the inn. The lanky teen Hope remembers is now a ruggedly handsome man, and amazingly, his sights are set on her.
Enoch Dunlap had been content with his work at the "Gingerbread Inn". As the resident handyman, his life was comfortable and predictable. But when his employer's granddaughters come to help over the holidays, his peaceful existence is turned on its head as soon as he lays eyes on Hope. She's just as quiet as she was when they were younger, but his attraction to her is definitely not a teenage crush.
When food and other items begin to disappear around the inn, everyone is surprised and a little dismissive. But when the thief escalates to stealing jewelry and Hope is accused of doing the deed, they spring into action. Can Hope and Enoch clear her name before it's time to go back to her regular life? And a bigger question...will she even want to?
Her Christmas Handyman is the first sweet story in The Gingerbread Inn Christmas Romance Trilogy. If you enjoy clean romance with a dash of suspense, you'll adore Laura Ann's charming tale!
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2020
617 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 22, 2020
So good!
What a delightful Christmas story! Hope is the sweetest woman, Enoch so steadfast and charming, and I seriously enjoyed reading about them falling in love. I especially liked how they were interested in each other and decided to go after it, rather than hemming and hawing. I loved the story, loved the swoony kisses, and loved that it was all wrapped up in a 100% clean romance bow. No swearing and no sex.
What a delightful Christmas story! Hope is the sweetest woman, Enoch so steadfast and charming, and I seriously enjoyed reading about them falling in love. I especially liked how they were interested in each other and decided to go after it, rather than hemming and hawing. I loved the story, loved the swoony kisses, and loved that it was all wrapped up in a 100% clean romance bow. No swearing and no sex.
October 26, 2021
I totally bought this book because I liked the cover. The story was kind of cute but rushed and the “mystery” was so easy to figure out. Luckily the book was so short or I might not have finished it.
November 5, 2024
Totally adorable! If you need an escape from the real world and love Christmas romance, give this a read. It's really Hallmark-y and just fun! It's a clean romance with just kisses.
November 24, 2020
Cute!
A sweet romance, a small town, family, and multiple layers of mystery. I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the next book!
A sweet romance, a small town, family, and multiple layers of mystery. I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the next book!
January 25, 2023
A wonderful start to a new series by Laura Ann
A great beginning to a three book series. This book has romance, family, mystery and just a touch of danger to keep you wanting to keep reading. The owner of Cliffside Bed and Breakfast, better known as the Gingerbread Inn, Claire has fallen and broken her hip. In need of help three granddaughters arrive to help their grandmother until she is able to run the inn again on her own. Hope with a master’s in English has yet to find a permanent job so has come to help. Isabella or Bella a freelance writer/reporter waiting for her big break is also free and there to help. The last Emory is a baker working in a restaurant but dreaming of owning her own bakery is there to take care of the food. Three attractive, single cousins stepping up and stepping in to help their Grandma Claire. Unbeknownst to them Claire has a full-time handyman, Enoch, living in an apartment over the garage. All three women have met him in the past but right now he only has eyes for Hope. Enoch has concerns about his chances with Hope because of his background but now he and Hope also have to deal with another woman, Trisha, who has decided she wants him, mysterious accidents starting with Claire’s fall and continuing still, thefts, veiled threats and missing food. An absolutely enchanting read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
A great beginning to a three book series. This book has romance, family, mystery and just a touch of danger to keep you wanting to keep reading. The owner of Cliffside Bed and Breakfast, better known as the Gingerbread Inn, Claire has fallen and broken her hip. In need of help three granddaughters arrive to help their grandmother until she is able to run the inn again on her own. Hope with a master’s in English has yet to find a permanent job so has come to help. Isabella or Bella a freelance writer/reporter waiting for her big break is also free and there to help. The last Emory is a baker working in a restaurant but dreaming of owning her own bakery is there to take care of the food. Three attractive, single cousins stepping up and stepping in to help their Grandma Claire. Unbeknownst to them Claire has a full-time handyman, Enoch, living in an apartment over the garage. All three women have met him in the past but right now he only has eyes for Hope. Enoch has concerns about his chances with Hope because of his background but now he and Hope also have to deal with another woman, Trisha, who has decided she wants him, mysterious accidents starting with Claire’s fall and continuing still, thefts, veiled threats and missing food. An absolutely enchanting read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
November 20, 2020
Loved this book. Hope and her cousins are so different but have their love for their grandmother in common. Enoch is immediately drawn to Hope and sparks start flying. A really sweet romance with a mystery to solve - more than one. Great descriptions but not overly done - made me feel like I was at the Gingerbread Inn with these characters. Really liked how we are introduced to all - I think all - of the main characters in this book but the story line is focused on Hope and Enoch. Looking so forward to book 2 and hope the author is writing fast.
March 18, 2021
Oh PS, Merry Christmas
I really take offence of the author using Christmas to sell this book. Theft and fighting by a girlfriend wanna be. And being able to figure out about the second or third chapter that the handyman's stalker did it. Next time try using Halloween for your holiday of choice
I really take offence of the author using Christmas to sell this book. Theft and fighting by a girlfriend wanna be. And being able to figure out about the second or third chapter that the handyman's stalker did it. Next time try using Halloween for your holiday of choice
December 13, 2025
Her Christmas Handyman is a short, festive romance built around a cosy holiday premise and a quick, easy read. Set during the Christmas season, the story follows a light romantic arc intended to deliver charm and warmth in a small package.
What I liked
The Christmas setting is sweet and does provide some festive atmosphere. It’s a very quick read, making it easy to finish in one sitting, and there are a few moments that hint at a cute seasonal romance.
Why the star rating
This one sits at two stars for me because the story felt rushed and underdeveloped. The romance moved too quickly to feel believable, and I struggled to connect with the characters or become emotionally invested. The premise had potential, but it needed more depth and stronger character development to truly shine.
Final thoughts
A festive idea that didn’t quite land for me. While it may work as a very light holiday read, it lacked the emotional build and substance I look for in a romance.
What I liked
The Christmas setting is sweet and does provide some festive atmosphere. It’s a very quick read, making it easy to finish in one sitting, and there are a few moments that hint at a cute seasonal romance.
Why the star rating
This one sits at two stars for me because the story felt rushed and underdeveloped. The romance moved too quickly to feel believable, and I struggled to connect with the characters or become emotionally invested. The premise had potential, but it needed more depth and stronger character development to truly shine.
Final thoughts
A festive idea that didn’t quite land for me. While it may work as a very light holiday read, it lacked the emotional build and substance I look for in a romance.
November 24, 2020
This is the first book of this series. Laura Ann always writes sweet, clean and enjoyable stories, just like sitting down for a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. This story also had some suspense that was built on throughout the story which I particularly enjoyed. At times the story was almost too sweet for my personal liking but there were plenty of dry witty moments to balance this out for me so all in all I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
I received an arc of this book from the author, however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave a review.
I received an arc of this book from the author, however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave a review.
December 2, 2020
Will satisfy both romance and mystery readers alike
Hope, a substitute teacher, goes to help her grandmother and sees Enoch, a handyman, at the bed and breakfast owned by the family. As the story progresses feelings move quickly, mysterious things occur, and if they cannot figure things out they may run out of time. Laura Ann’s Her Christmas Handyman is a sweet romance read that will satisfy both romance and mystery readers alike. I look forward to reading about Emory and Bella having their Christmas wishes coming true.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Hope, a substitute teacher, goes to help her grandmother and sees Enoch, a handyman, at the bed and breakfast owned by the family. As the story progresses feelings move quickly, mysterious things occur, and if they cannot figure things out they may run out of time. Laura Ann’s Her Christmas Handyman is a sweet romance read that will satisfy both romance and mystery readers alike. I look forward to reading about Emory and Bella having their Christmas wishes coming true.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
November 20, 2020
Fun book
Her Christmas Handyman clicked all the boxes for me in sweet easy to read Christmas stories. There’s something for everyone, a little romance and mystery, and a whole lot of family cheer.
Enoch is the sweetest guy and a perfect match for Hope. He helps her see her beauty through the eyes of love.
I loved the ending of the book and look forward to solving more of the mystery in the next installment in the series.
Her Christmas Handyman clicked all the boxes for me in sweet easy to read Christmas stories. There’s something for everyone, a little romance and mystery, and a whole lot of family cheer.
Enoch is the sweetest guy and a perfect match for Hope. He helps her see her beauty through the eyes of love.
I loved the ending of the book and look forward to solving more of the mystery in the next installment in the series.
January 21, 2021
Short & sweet
This very short (129 pages) book had a little mystery, an old mansion with secret passages (and peepholes!) and a pretty steamy romance. Not a lot of time to develop the characters, but still, the proposal revealed a lot of Hope's traits. Unanswered questions such as "who's been living in the attic" will apparently be e answered in a subsequent book. Perhaps we'll also find Mrs. Harrison's stolen ring.
This very short (129 pages) book had a little mystery, an old mansion with secret passages (and peepholes!) and a pretty steamy romance. Not a lot of time to develop the characters, but still, the proposal revealed a lot of Hope's traits. Unanswered questions such as "who's been living in the attic" will apparently be e answered in a subsequent book. Perhaps we'll also find Mrs. Harrison's stolen ring.
November 15, 2021
Something isn’t quite right.
A little mystery along with some romance between the school teacher and the handyman. Something is not quite right with things disappearing and other things out of place. Then there’s the instance of a guest’s stolen ring at the Gingerbread Inn. A lot can happen in a month.
Clean and wholesome. Three cousins and three chances to fall in love, told in 3 stories about each one.
A little mystery along with some romance between the school teacher and the handyman. Something is not quite right with things disappearing and other things out of place. Then there’s the instance of a guest’s stolen ring at the Gingerbread Inn. A lot can happen in a month.
Clean and wholesome. Three cousins and three chances to fall in love, told in 3 stories about each one.
November 9, 2024
Hope and Enoch are so special. The way he cares for her and reassures his feelings for her. Swoonworthy. I loved the mystery aspect to the story. I wish we could have found out more about the attic and our plate. That part of the mystery feels unfinished. However, this is a romance so I probably shouldn’t care about that as much. I love how protective Enoch was of hope, but not in a you-need-a-man kind of way, but an I-love-you-please-don’t-get-hurt kind of way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
the definition of a hallmark book - cute but that’s about it. plot was all over the place (what kind of house has secret tunnels to let you in to any room?) and over the top dramatic characters. enoch and hope were cute as i love a little budding romance but they literally started dating in 2 days and then got engaged in what a MONTH?? just made me cringe a lot but satisfied the need to read a christmas book around christmas time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
It was a great Christmas love and mystery book
I loved this book . It was funny and had mystery and a great ending as well. I love how she put a mystery in the book and it started with the grandma getting hurt and that led to her grand daughter's coming to the inn to help out and one of them is Baker and her food goes missing then other things start to go missing then Enoch and hope get together ❤️ love the the ending and can't wait to read more of her books.
I loved this book . It was funny and had mystery and a great ending as well. I love how she put a mystery in the book and it started with the grandma getting hurt and that led to her grand daughter's coming to the inn to help out and one of them is Baker and her food goes missing then other things start to go missing then Enoch and hope get together ❤️ love the the ending and can't wait to read more of her books.
November 21, 2020
Props for the leads name bring Enoch.
A super sweet Gibgerbread Inn book.
There’s three granddaughters helping their grandmother with the in for a month.
Hope is the shy, blonde teacher who Enoch didn’t remember her name. But he likes the look of her though he lacks game.
A bit of drama with some missing jewelry.
Recommend.
A super sweet Gibgerbread Inn book.
There’s three granddaughters helping their grandmother with the in for a month.
Hope is the shy, blonde teacher who Enoch didn’t remember her name. But he likes the look of her though he lacks game.
A bit of drama with some missing jewelry.
Recommend.
November 22, 2020
I so much enjoyed this story because there is a mystery (my favorite genre) coupled with the romance. It's a great beginning to this 3 book Christmas series. I'm glad I don't have to wait very long for the next 2 stories to be published because I am anxious to know where the stories go. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary opinion.
November 26, 2020
A good clean romance with a little mystery and drama. Enoch and Hope start a relationship after realizing their mutual attraction. Things start missing at the B&B and Hope is accused of being the thief. Will Hope be able to prove her innocence?
I enjoyed this book and look forward to Emory and Bella's stories.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to Emory and Bella's stories.
August 1, 2021
Sweet, 3 ½ stars
Hope and Enoch are an adorable couple. One mystery is solved, and the who and why is instantly obvious, but the other mystery is left open-ended and has the potential to also be split. Hope seems far too mild to teach high school, but this is a good read for fans of Hallmark movies.
Hope and Enoch are an adorable couple. One mystery is solved, and the who and why is instantly obvious, but the other mystery is left open-ended and has the potential to also be split. Hope seems far too mild to teach high school, but this is a good read for fans of Hallmark movies.
December 16, 2021
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Instant attraction with no conflict between the main couple. Other conflicts resolved quickly without suspense. It was a quick read for Christmas with the requisite HEA. I’m going to give the second book in the series a shot, because there is conflict at the beginning between the couple, and I prefer that trope. We’ll see if it improves.
March 31, 2025
Just like a Hallmark movie
While this does leave some cliffhangers for the following books in the series, the story does wrap up well and so sweet. I love how the characters grow because of their relationships with each other. Well written. Cute, witty, and just fun! Enjoyed it!
While this does leave some cliffhangers for the following books in the series, the story does wrap up well and so sweet. I love how the characters grow because of their relationships with each other. Well written. Cute, witty, and just fun! Enjoyed it!
November 6, 2025
For a short read, this story was cute! Although Hope and Enoch’s relationship bloomed fast, it felt genuine, which I really enjoyed. I also loved the mystery aspect to the storg, even if predictable. The only downfall, is I wish it gave a little more a Christmas-y vibe, but I get that you can only put so much in about 140 pages😊
November 29, 2025
A cute romance and mystery book. Easy read and less than 200 pages. When food and other items begin to disappear around the inn. They work together to find out who it was. Hope and Enoch cute fast love story. 3 cousins getting together to help their Grandma run the Inn. I received this book from a stuff your kindle event.
November 20, 2020
This one was cute. The slight mystery was a nice touch and I'm looking forward to reading about the other cousins in the next two books. The love story did move rather quickly, but it's not a very long book, so...
I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own.
I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own.
December 4, 2020
OMG! Words aren’t enough
I’ve always liked Laura Ann’s books, but the keep getting better and better. Hope and Enoch’s story is so heart warming, with love and mystery. Love the cousins and Grandma Claire. This is a must read!
I’ve always liked Laura Ann’s books, but the keep getting better and better. Hope and Enoch’s story is so heart warming, with love and mystery. Love the cousins and Grandma Claire. This is a must read!
December 20, 2020
A sweet Christmas story
This is a very sweet, feel good story with likable characters. I feel it could have gone a bit deeper in the storyline but, all in all, a sweet story and I’m glad I read it.
This is a very sweet, feel good story with likable characters. I feel it could have gone a bit deeper in the storyline but, all in all, a sweet story and I’m glad I read it.
December 25, 2020
Good book, I enjoyed it! It was clean and a nice little mystery even though I figured it out pretty quick but I'm not sure who is living upstairs even though I think I have an idea. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
February 15, 2021
Cute, quick story
The main characters were nice, but not much time was spent developing them beyond a surface level.
Also, there were a number of your/you’re typos and Claire was written as Clair once that I remember. Seems silly, but these errors were a bit annoying.
The main characters were nice, but not much time was spent developing them beyond a surface level.
Also, there were a number of your/you’re typos and Claire was written as Clair once that I remember. Seems silly, but these errors were a bit annoying.
December 5, 2021
Sweet
A delightful mystery and family devotion and of course romance! Wonderful characters that you don't want to leave behind when the story is over. So can't wait for the next one.
A delightful mystery and family devotion and of course romance! Wonderful characters that you don't want to leave behind when the story is over. So can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews