The Gingerbread Cookie Code

by Ann M. Trader

Clay Blackstone, avowed bachelor, is an ambitious computer design engineer at a prestigious firm. When an accident puts his dad on crutches, he returns home to help with his family's Christmas tree farm, never expecting to find romantic entanglement with an alluring woman he remembers as a tomboy in braids.

As a single mother launching a bakery business, Shelby Turner has experience with measuring cups and watercolor paints, but not handsome, intriguing men—especially one who is her secret schoolgirl crush.

Between her sweet treats, his tech savvy, and their combined chemistry, will they risk their hearts and discover the code to their happily ever after?

53 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

About the author

A book lover at heart, I'm traditionally published, writing contemporary and historical romance with The Wild Rose Press. I'm a fan of TV dramas, romance books, and the lighter side of Southern comfort food.

Reviews

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short (53 pages) contemporary romance that comes with a pretty high heat level. Not a ton of it, but enough to make you sweat a little. Clay comes back to his small hometown to help his folks out after his dad breaks his foot and can’t work the Christmas tree farm. Though he loves being there and helping out, he can’t wait to get back to Atlanta and his work as a computer coder.

What he doesn’t count on is Shelby Turner (or her young daughter). The two have a hot fling – and that’s all it’s supposed to be – but things don’t turn out that way.

This is a cute story with some heat and HEA that will leave you satisfied. Pick it up for a quick afternoon read.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

[Melissa McTernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect little Christmas treat. This book was short and sweet (with the right amount of spice!). Like a well-written Hallmark movie, but where the characters actually get to have sex, yay! I really enjoyed reading this one.

[D.M. Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gingerbread Cookie Code by Ann M. Trader is a cute little Christmas novella that centers around Clay, who moved away from his small town to work for a tech company, focusing on computers. When his dad gets hurt, he has to head back home and help out while he heals. He didn’t figure on running into Shelby and her adorable daughter Vivie. He’s gone out of his way to avoid serious relationships and marriage, so he’s got off guard when he starts falling for the local baker.

Shelby has been hurt before. She’s a single mom, living with her parents just trying to make ends meet, and make a go of opening her own bakery. When Clay walks into her life, she falls hard and fast for the guy every girl in their high school had a crush on. But he’s going back to Atlanta soon. Will Shelby and her daughter be enough to make him return? Will Clay be willing to abandon his bachelor lifestyle to give true love a chance?

This story moves quickly, but it leaves nothing to the imagination and sends you on a steamy ride that is sure to capture your heart. I adored Vivie and could certainly empathize with Shelby’s plights. Clay seemed a bit stiff at times, but the flaw seemed to work for his character. All in all, The Gingerbread Cookie Code is a great read to get you through a nice warm bath on a cold winter’s day. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sherri Lupton Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a good holiday story, add in family, a reunion of old friends or frienemies and I'm all gooey like a warm chocolate chip cookie.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a novella so its very short-53 pages. This is a quick, nice romance. The characters are just nice people. Very enjoyable. 3 stars