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Christmas Cupid
Does a small town bakery offer more than sweet holiday treats, or has its owner found a clever marketing ploy?
Natasha’s favorite way of spending Christmas is on a beach with a cocktail, far away from the mistletoe and cheer she doesn’t believe in. She’s not happy when her boss sends her to the small town of Pinedale to investigate the legend of the Christmas Cupid:
In the Magic Christmas Bakery, customers have fallen in love while sharing sweet treats, for generations.
Natasha is prepared to uncover a scam—until she meets Ivy, third generation owner of the bakery and the current Christmas Cupid. Instead of a fraud, Natasha discovers seasonal delicacies and meets the couples who were blessed by the bakery’s matchmaking magic.
As the story changes, is it possible that a cynic like her could fall for a woman who is all about helping others find The One?
Natasha’s favorite way of spending Christmas is on a beach with a cocktail, far away from the mistletoe and cheer she doesn’t believe in. She’s not happy when her boss sends her to the small town of Pinedale to investigate the legend of the Christmas Cupid:
In the Magic Christmas Bakery, customers have fallen in love while sharing sweet treats, for generations.
Natasha is prepared to uncover a scam—until she meets Ivy, third generation owner of the bakery and the current Christmas Cupid. Instead of a fraud, Natasha discovers seasonal delicacies and meets the couples who were blessed by the bakery’s matchmaking magic.
As the story changes, is it possible that a cynic like her could fall for a woman who is all about helping others find The One?
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2021
40 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Winkes
99 books212 followersBarbara Winkes writes suspense and romance with lesbian characters at the center. She has always loved stories in which women persevere and lift each other up. Expect high drama and happy endings.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
Discover a variety of genres, serial and standalone. Women loving women always take the lead.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 22, 2021
A little kindness goes a long way
Natasha only sees the negative things about the holiday season. Ivy is a believer in the magic of Christmas, but not in love for herself. I love the closeness that you get from a small town. Everyone in town opens up to Natasha to help tell Ivy’s story. The story brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.
Natasha only sees the negative things about the holiday season. Ivy is a believer in the magic of Christmas, but not in love for herself. I love the closeness that you get from a small town. Everyone in town opens up to Natasha to help tell Ivy’s story. The story brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.
November 22, 2022
4 stars. Definitely gave me Hallmark movie vibes in the best way possible. The cozy small town of Pinedale, the quirky side characters and the sweet and soft romance between Lily and Natasha. This had it all. I really adore Winkes’s writing style and find that even with her novellas like this one they feel like full stories which is a talent. Nothing feels like it’s lacking. Lily and Natasha are both likable characters and their romance is super cute and everything wraps up well. A very good and quick Christmas read.
November 3, 2021
A great heartwarming romance.
I believe where there is kindness, there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic. Christmas magic is silent. You feel it, you believe it. Christmas Cupid is a heartwarming, feel good story with two lovable main characters and a great second cast. It's well written and I really enjoyed spending time in this magical town Pinedale with Ivy and Natasha. But it would have been even more perfect if I could have read this book, curled up with a mug of hot chocolate and Ivy's baumkuchen. Reading about all the Christmas delicacies made my mouth water. Treat yourself to a relaxing time with this amazing story.
I believe where there is kindness, there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic. Christmas magic is silent. You feel it, you believe it. Christmas Cupid is a heartwarming, feel good story with two lovable main characters and a great second cast. It's well written and I really enjoyed spending time in this magical town Pinedale with Ivy and Natasha. But it would have been even more perfect if I could have read this book, curled up with a mug of hot chocolate and Ivy's baumkuchen. Reading about all the Christmas delicacies made my mouth water. Treat yourself to a relaxing time with this amazing story.
October 28, 2021
For me this was the perfect Christmas romance to get into the whole Christmas feeling. It’s a sweet story about Natasha & Ivy and of course most of all about finding love when you don’t expect it anymore.
Natasha disliked Christmas since she was a child and is used spending this time of the year at a beach. When her boss decides she is the one that has to write a story about a famous bakery in a small town where people find love she is terrified. Ivy the owner of the bakery or how everyone else calls her the Christmas cupid has not found her own happiness. But family tradition and her believing in bringing other people happiness makes her come back to this time every year.
They slowly approach each other and both learn in the sweetest way that it’s never too late for their own happiness. Natasha‘s story actually reminded me a lot of myself and how I found my own peace with Christmas. I just loved it.
And I was definitely in heaven all the German Christmas cookies and desserts. Coming from Switzerland I know and love most of them. Like Zimtsterne, Lebkuchen, Baumkuchen and so many other things. I had to laugh that they didn’t use raisins because Ivy’s family didn’t like them like me. ☺️ Natasha’s favourite Baumkuchen on the other hand is also mine. I definitely can’t wait to have some soon and highly recommend all of these things to those that don’t know these. And of course the story is a must read as well. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
Natasha disliked Christmas since she was a child and is used spending this time of the year at a beach. When her boss decides she is the one that has to write a story about a famous bakery in a small town where people find love she is terrified. Ivy the owner of the bakery or how everyone else calls her the Christmas cupid has not found her own happiness. But family tradition and her believing in bringing other people happiness makes her come back to this time every year.
They slowly approach each other and both learn in the sweetest way that it’s never too late for their own happiness. Natasha‘s story actually reminded me a lot of myself and how I found my own peace with Christmas. I just loved it.
And I was definitely in heaven all the German Christmas cookies and desserts. Coming from Switzerland I know and love most of them. Like Zimtsterne, Lebkuchen, Baumkuchen and so many other things. I had to laugh that they didn’t use raisins because Ivy’s family didn’t like them like me. ☺️ Natasha’s favourite Baumkuchen on the other hand is also mine. I definitely can’t wait to have some soon and highly recommend all of these things to those that don’t know these. And of course the story is a must read as well. 😊
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2021
Christmas Magic!
Natasha’s Christmas plans are disrupted when her boss sends her to a small town to get the scoop on Christmas Cupid and a small town bakery that seems to spread more than just a little Christmas cheer. When she meets the woman who owns the bakery, Natasha isn’t prepared for all she uncovers.
A simple, sweet story, packed with magic, wonder, and festive spirit. The whole idea of the bakery and what people found or felt there was the loveliest of things. It felt warm and welcoming, spreading joy and cheer as I read the story. Not to mention all the mouth-watering treats mentioned!
The fact that Natasha was skeptical about the bakery and the supposed cupid and magical goings on, even after visiting really entertained me. Even after having spoken to others or getting a feeling herself she still tried to fight against believing the power and amazing things she’d been told about. That kept the realism in the story but it was easy to get swept up in everyone else’s enthusiasm. Something even Natasha couldn’t resist.
She could not deny the affect the bakery and its wonderful owner had on her. That was the true magic of the story, fate and love shaping futures. I really loved the cosy, warm feeling I got from the story and recommend it to get you in the mood for a little holiday romance.
Natasha’s Christmas plans are disrupted when her boss sends her to a small town to get the scoop on Christmas Cupid and a small town bakery that seems to spread more than just a little Christmas cheer. When she meets the woman who owns the bakery, Natasha isn’t prepared for all she uncovers.
A simple, sweet story, packed with magic, wonder, and festive spirit. The whole idea of the bakery and what people found or felt there was the loveliest of things. It felt warm and welcoming, spreading joy and cheer as I read the story. Not to mention all the mouth-watering treats mentioned!
The fact that Natasha was skeptical about the bakery and the supposed cupid and magical goings on, even after visiting really entertained me. Even after having spoken to others or getting a feeling herself she still tried to fight against believing the power and amazing things she’d been told about. That kept the realism in the story but it was easy to get swept up in everyone else’s enthusiasm. Something even Natasha couldn’t resist.
She could not deny the affect the bakery and its wonderful owner had on her. That was the true magic of the story, fate and love shaping futures. I really loved the cosy, warm feeling I got from the story and recommend it to get you in the mood for a little holiday romance.
did-not-finish
December 15, 2021DNF@ 34% in. Too much hedging and trying to be mysterious while a lot of cynicism and deliberate antagonism occured.
November 15, 2021
This is such a sweet holiday romance. The characters are well developed and believable. This was such a fun read. The author kept me engaged with the characters and plot twists throughout. This book quickly grabbed my attention from the first chapter. I really liked the story. I've enjoyed every one of this author's books that I've read and this is no exception.
November 1, 2021
A Sweet Christmas romance
Natasha is not into Christmas; instead, she would rather be on a sunny sandy beach, where she can relax with a colourful drink in her hand and enjoy the view. But not this time, when her boss sends her to a small town to write about the legend of Christmas Cupid in the Magic Christmas Bakery. Natasha thinks this is just a very elaborated marketing trick, but when she meets Ivy, the Christmas cupid, she finds a lot more than expected. Yummy delicacies, a charming town, an enigmatic woman, and the legend is real. Can cupid be part of the magic, called love?
It's a charming, romantic story, perfect to put one in the Christmas spirit. I loved the concept. The characters are well developed with a storyline that flows from the pages and right into your heart. It had all the elements of a great love story.
I liked both Natasha and Ivy. It was clear from the beginning that there was something strong between them with a lot of chemistry and instant sparks.
I love romances, and this was a sweet love story with the perfect fairy tale ending—a delightful read.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it.
I received an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily left my review.
Natasha is not into Christmas; instead, she would rather be on a sunny sandy beach, where she can relax with a colourful drink in her hand and enjoy the view. But not this time, when her boss sends her to a small town to write about the legend of Christmas Cupid in the Magic Christmas Bakery. Natasha thinks this is just a very elaborated marketing trick, but when she meets Ivy, the Christmas cupid, she finds a lot more than expected. Yummy delicacies, a charming town, an enigmatic woman, and the legend is real. Can cupid be part of the magic, called love?
It's a charming, romantic story, perfect to put one in the Christmas spirit. I loved the concept. The characters are well developed with a storyline that flows from the pages and right into your heart. It had all the elements of a great love story.
I liked both Natasha and Ivy. It was clear from the beginning that there was something strong between them with a lot of chemistry and instant sparks.
I love romances, and this was a sweet love story with the perfect fairy tale ending—a delightful read.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it.
I received an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily left my review.
December 28, 2023
3 / 5 Stars
There actually isn't that much to say when it comes to this one. Or ... well, mostly. I would have wanted the book be more conclusive on the "is the magic" real thing, consindering that we spend most of the book researching and writing and talking about the Christmas Cupid Magic. At best, I'd say we play with the idea of Magical Realism without really bein brave enough to fully comit to either a yes or a no. Other than that, I didn't have any real issues with the book. It was a book. That I've read and that I'll probably not remember anything about come next week. Which is funny, if you look at what it's offering and what it is.
Aka:
Comfort with mostly no hurt. Meaning, a very lighthearted read, with a soft sapphic romance.
Which would normally be totally my thing.
But it just didn't work out for me this time around. Not saying the book is bad. But rather, it just ... is... okay?
Final Thoughts
A quick, short, mostly fluffy, nothing special read.
There actually isn't that much to say when it comes to this one. Or ... well, mostly. I would have wanted the book be more conclusive on the "is the magic" real thing, consindering that we spend most of the book researching and writing and talking about the Christmas Cupid Magic. At best, I'd say we play with the idea of Magical Realism without really bein brave enough to fully comit to either a yes or a no. Other than that, I didn't have any real issues with the book. It was a book. That I've read and that I'll probably not remember anything about come next week. Which is funny, if you look at what it's offering and what it is.
Aka:
Comfort with mostly no hurt. Meaning, a very lighthearted read, with a soft sapphic romance.
Which would normally be totally my thing.
But it just didn't work out for me this time around. Not saying the book is bad. But rather, it just ... is... okay?
Final Thoughts
A quick, short, mostly fluffy, nothing special read.
December 5, 2021
A Sweet and Endearing Story!
This was a sweet and enjoyable story. No angst. When one reporter Nicole, to save her job, is taken away from her usual Christmas away in a warm climate, is assigned to a cold winter setting. Pinedale. The home of the Christmas Cupid at The Magic Christmas Bakery. The legend is said that you will meet your soulmate at this place. Is it real or a hoax? Ivy, the baker and owner or also known as Christmas Cupid. The bakery has been in the family since her grandmother. Knowing a reporter is coming to check out the bakery is making her nervous. What transpires is a sweet and loving tale involving two women, one who believes and one who doesn’t. A definite holiday delight……
This was a sweet and enjoyable story. No angst. When one reporter Nicole, to save her job, is taken away from her usual Christmas away in a warm climate, is assigned to a cold winter setting. Pinedale. The home of the Christmas Cupid at The Magic Christmas Bakery. The legend is said that you will meet your soulmate at this place. Is it real or a hoax? Ivy, the baker and owner or also known as Christmas Cupid. The bakery has been in the family since her grandmother. Knowing a reporter is coming to check out the bakery is making her nervous. What transpires is a sweet and loving tale involving two women, one who believes and one who doesn’t. A definite holiday delight……
October 28, 2021
I loved this cute Christmas Love story. I’m not normally a Christmas romance reader but I gave this one a shot and am truly happy that I did. The idea that a bakery was responsible for people meeting their soul mate at a bakery I’d great. I thought Natasha and Ivy were great for each other.
The book flows well and the little town is a beautiful setting for a romance. I maybe checking out other Christmas romances after this. Winked books are great and this one is as well. I recommend it, but make sure you start it with plenty of time for a book you’ll want to read in one sitting.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The book flows well and the little town is a beautiful setting for a romance. I maybe checking out other Christmas romances after this. Winked books are great and this one is as well. I recommend it, but make sure you start it with plenty of time for a book you’ll want to read in one sitting.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2023
Sugar & spice and everything nice! 5*s
Oh how I enjoyed this tale of Natasha who was sent by her boss to do an exclusive story on the legend of the Christmas Cupid in the Magic Christmas Bakery. Unlikely to enjoy any of this assignment, this nonbeliever's life changes when she meets the joyful Ivy, the owner of the bakery.
Both characters were actually well written and beautifully developed for a short book. It's a delightful Christmas tale sure to make your heart warm and cozy!
Oh how I enjoyed this tale of Natasha who was sent by her boss to do an exclusive story on the legend of the Christmas Cupid in the Magic Christmas Bakery. Unlikely to enjoy any of this assignment, this nonbeliever's life changes when she meets the joyful Ivy, the owner of the bakery.
Both characters were actually well written and beautifully developed for a short book. It's a delightful Christmas tale sure to make your heart warm and cozy!
October 28, 2021
Magic always exsists whenever the heart is open to believe.
A delightful Christmas tale qauruntied to bring the experiences home for the magic in the soul. Natasha lost Christmas years ago. Ivy always thought cupid would never find her. Together the magic of the holiday lends heart to every Christmas cupid. This is a quick holiday read full of all the feels and even more magic for the heart. Barbara Winkes has done it again brilliant gift.
A delightful Christmas tale qauruntied to bring the experiences home for the magic in the soul. Natasha lost Christmas years ago. Ivy always thought cupid would never find her. Together the magic of the holiday lends heart to every Christmas cupid. This is a quick holiday read full of all the feels and even more magic for the heart. Barbara Winkes has done it again brilliant gift.
October 29, 2021
The Grinch comes to Pinedale!
Natasha is a writer, having being sent to a small, snowy village instead of sandy beaches. What a waste of time! Ivy is the town's bake shop owner. What follows is a tale too good to pass up. As the Grinch found out your heart does grow bigger. Follow Barbara's tale and maybe yours will too! Enjoy! ( being a grinch doesn't necessarily mean you want to steal something).
Natasha is a writer, having being sent to a small, snowy village instead of sandy beaches. What a waste of time! Ivy is the town's bake shop owner. What follows is a tale too good to pass up. As the Grinch found out your heart does grow bigger. Follow Barbara's tale and maybe yours will too! Enjoy! ( being a grinch doesn't necessarily mean you want to steal something).
October 30, 2021
Can you really find your soulmate in a bake shop?
This is a quick, enjoyable read by Barbara. It may be set at Christmas, but you could really read this anytime of year. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters will have you cheering for them to reach their HEA. I was able to read this in one sitting, because the story flowed so well I didn’t want to put it down. Barbara always writes such good stories and this one will not disappoint
This is a quick, enjoyable read by Barbara. It may be set at Christmas, but you could really read this anytime of year. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters will have you cheering for them to reach their HEA. I was able to read this in one sitting, because the story flowed so well I didn’t want to put it down. Barbara always writes such good stories and this one will not disappoint
November 19, 2021
Absolutely "A Sweet" Romance for Christmas
It's not that I'm a sucker for a good lesbian romance, or a sucker for Christmas tales, and also love anything Barbara Winkes writes, this really is a perfect easy holiday read. It's not too long, not complicated, and not unhappy. Well written and beautifully developed, it's great for a "get away" any time you need one. It will get you in the Christmas spirit.
It's not that I'm a sucker for a good lesbian romance, or a sucker for Christmas tales, and also love anything Barbara Winkes writes, this really is a perfect easy holiday read. It's not too long, not complicated, and not unhappy. Well written and beautifully developed, it's great for a "get away" any time you need one. It will get you in the Christmas spirit.
December 26, 2021
Natasha is a busy journalist with no interest in warm fuzzy Christmas sentiment. Ivy is a warm-hearted baker with a legacy of making holiday dreams come true. At first, it would seem no two women could be more different, but the holiday magic of the town of Pinedale soon draws them together, revealing they’re more alike than they know.
Christmas Cupid is a warm, hopeful story of holiday love and the power of community that’s sure to bring some light and charm to your Christmas season.
Christmas Cupid is a warm, hopeful story of holiday love and the power of community that’s sure to bring some light and charm to your Christmas season.
December 25, 2023
Finding Christmas
Ivy runs a part-time Christmas bakery in Pineville. Natasha has given the assignment to write a story about the bakery because it’s also known as a Cupid bakery. This is a very sweet romance story and it’s very appropriate for the Christmas season. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Mostly the character. Because the plat was fairly evident. If you enjoy a good Christmas story, I would recommend this book for you.
Ivy runs a part-time Christmas bakery in Pineville. Natasha has given the assignment to write a story about the bakery because it’s also known as a Cupid bakery. This is a very sweet romance story and it’s very appropriate for the Christmas season. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Mostly the character. Because the plat was fairly evident. If you enjoy a good Christmas story, I would recommend this book for you.
November 14, 2021
Wonderful!
This was a delightful tale of special Christmas magic that happens in a small town bakery where, for three generations, countless people have met and fallen in love. The setting is idyllic and the characters are endearing. Aside from the religious aspect, this is what Christmas is all about!
This was a delightful tale of special Christmas magic that happens in a small town bakery where, for three generations, countless people have met and fallen in love. The setting is idyllic and the characters are endearing. Aside from the religious aspect, this is what Christmas is all about!
November 27, 2021
Just so sweet and fun. Nothing really bad happens in this book, and it was a real Christmassy comfort read that I appreciated a lot. Ivy and Natasha had really good chemistry and I loved how they contrasted with each other. This was excellent and I recommend it to anyone looking for their next Christmas read.
December 13, 2021
Good book
A sweet story of someone who doesn't really want to be around the Christmas holidays. Natasha would rather be at the beach in a warm setting. Ivy she loves everything Christmas and the magic that goes with it because she it the Christmas Cupid bring love to everyone that is single.
A sweet story of someone who doesn't really want to be around the Christmas holidays. Natasha would rather be at the beach in a warm setting. Ivy she loves everything Christmas and the magic that goes with it because she it the Christmas Cupid bring love to everyone that is single.
October 24, 2023
Sweet Treats for Christmas
An idyllic village with a unique history of people finding their forever love at the bakery. The Christmas Cupid has been working this magic for three generations but the Grinch’s author is assigned to write a story about the phenomenon. Will the Christmas Cupid find true love at last?
An idyllic village with a unique history of people finding their forever love at the bakery. The Christmas Cupid has been working this magic for three generations but the Grinch’s author is assigned to write a story about the phenomenon. Will the Christmas Cupid find true love at last?
October 30, 2021
A very good ho!iday book
I love a feel good holiday book. This book is one of those feel good make you smile books. The characters are interesting and likable. Magic of the holidays makes you want to visit Pinedale. Thanks for a perfect holiday book.
I love a feel good holiday book. This book is one of those feel good make you smile books. The characters are interesting and likable. Magic of the holidays makes you want to visit Pinedale. Thanks for a perfect holiday book.
November 10, 2021
Sweet Christmas romance
Sweet and cheerful, a Christmas sceptic and a Christmas enthusiast meet for a newspaper article and Christmas always wins. Nice and relaxing, good to get you into the spirit
Sweet and cheerful, a Christmas sceptic and a Christmas enthusiast meet for a newspaper article and Christmas always wins. Nice and relaxing, good to get you into the spirit
February 4, 2022
Cute Story
As usual, Barbara Wines has written a nice story, full of love, laughter and a bit of angst. It has romance, Christmas and an HEA.... everything I love in a book. Well done!
As usual, Barbara Wines has written a nice story, full of love, laughter and a bit of angst. It has romance, Christmas and an HEA.... everything I love in a book. Well done!
October 18, 2022
Christmas is great
I am sure that whoever reads this story will love it. There’s no secrets to find, no lying or cheating to upset the apple cart. Just a great story about the miracle of Christmas.
When you read this you are going to be inspired to make Christmas great again.
I am sure that whoever reads this story will love it. There’s no secrets to find, no lying or cheating to upset the apple cart. Just a great story about the miracle of Christmas.
When you read this you are going to be inspired to make Christmas great again.
December 19, 2023
Hurray for Christmas
What a lovely story .
Christmas , sweet treats, and romance.
What more could you want from a book.
Are you a hopeless romantic or a cynical person ?
Either way, give it a read .
What a lovely story .
Christmas , sweet treats, and romance.
What more could you want from a book.
Are you a hopeless romantic or a cynical person ?
Either way, give it a read .
October 29, 2021
A delightful short read!
A wonderfully sweet and festive read, this book is a joy, and suitable all year round. Experience the magic of Christmas Cupid for yourself.
A wonderfully sweet and festive read, this book is a joy, and suitable all year round. Experience the magic of Christmas Cupid for yourself.
November 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline and characters were fantastic and engaging keeping me engrossed from the very first page.
December 15, 2021
Sweet novella filled with Christmas spirit and small town charm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews