The Gingerbread Witch

Broomstick Bakery #3

by Laura Greenwood

Rowen wants to make certain that her time at the Christmas Fayre is well spent, especially when it comes to selling her magically infused cakes.

Edward loves the season, and jumps at the chance at helping his brother on the mulled wine stand.

When the two of them meet, sparks begin to fly and they realise that there might be something more between them than just a love of the fayre.

-

The Gingerbread Witch is a paranormal romance with a hint of Christmas spirit, a baking witch, and a light-hearted m/f romance. It is part of the Broomstick Bakery series.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Christmas, Paranormal Romance

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2022

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe. This series is just so darned cute! Rowen is so much more than just “the big sister”, though it’s a role she’s familiar with and happy to take on. While her family challenges her to let go of the reins a little, Edward challenges her to see what else her life could have besides just the bakery. I thought these two were pretty adorable together, and I can’t wait to see the last sibling find her forever partner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lo más interesante fueron los dulces mágicos navideños de Broomstick Bakery.




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




🎄The Gingerbread Witch de Laura Greenwood serie Broomstick Bakery libro 3✨

Argumento:

🎀Rowen quiere asegurarse de que su tiempo en la feria navideña sea bien aprovechado, especialmente cuando se trata de vender sus pasteles con infusión mágica.

A Edward le encanta la temporada y aprovecha la oportunidad de ayudar a su hermano en el puesto de vino caliente.

Cuando los dos se encuentran, las chispas comienzan a volar y se dan cuenta de que podría haber algo más entre ellos que solo un amor por la feria.



Mi humilde opinión:

❄️ Tenía muchas ganas de leer un romance navideño paranormal y este me parecía interesante además de que tenía la ambientación de la feria navideña y una linda portada. Me encantaría comprarle a Rowen algunas galletas mágicas de hombrecitos de jengibre que son mis favoritas pero eso es todo.

El comienzo fue realmente lento para mí gusto, los diálogos que me ponían, lo siento, a dormir y no pasaba realmente nada más que Rowen hablando de todo el tema del negocio familiar, la panadería Broomstick, los dulces que horneaban y sobre sus hermanas. Lo que está bien, me gusta saber qué hacen los protagonistas y conocer sus pasiones, me encantó la relación de las hermanas y su hermano pero todo esto no me enganchaba realmente. Sí encontré curioso y genial que Rowen y sus hermanas fueran brujas y que lo que horneaban contenía magia. Los dulces navideños te hacian sentir el hogar y evocar la navidad cuando los comías.

Estaba esperando el romance que terminó siendo flojo para mi. Rowen conoce enseguida a Edward en la feria navideña, un brujo, pero yo lo sentí como un leve interés, no estaba la conexión entre ellos ni hubo nada de calidez y sexy tensión. Para mí sorpresa, recién se juntan en el capítulo 6 para una cita. A pesar de que Rowen no está interesada en nada romántico acepta enseguida ver a dónde llevan las cosas con Edward. Pensé que se iba a poner mejor desde ahí pero entonces seguí sin sentirlo con esta pareja y ella esquivando un beso al final de la cita quería abandonar el librito. Obviamente lo terminé pero no logré conectarme con ninguno de los protagonistas y el romance amagó con lo dulce pero no me encantó.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author through Booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

I am really enjoying this series so far and was excited to read Rowen's story in The Gingerbread Witch. When I started the first chapter I already knew this was going to be another good one. I like Laura Greenwood's writing and something about this series is just so light, fun and comfortable. The setting around the holidays was great and I liked reading about The Christmas Fayre Rowen attended and where she meets Edward. I liked reading about the magical cakes, the bakery and Rowen's role in it all.

I really liked the romance between Rowen and Edward, they were so sweet together and I liked seeing how they grew closer. Rowen hasn't dated in a while and has some worries, but I liked how when she acts in a certain way she regrets she makes sure to apologize to Edward. I liked how Edward was understanding and also how he helped her out when there was an issue on the fayre later on. Their connection was clear and I really liked reading about them.

Another thing I liked about this book was that we get to see more of Ash, the youngest sibling in the family and the only one not part of the bakery. He got his own novella and I felt like a certain plot thread didn't get fully resolved, which makes sense now as that continues in this book. I liked seeing how Ash helped Rowen at the fayre and his clear passion for the store and food. Their sibling banter was fun to read about and I liked seeing How Rowen interacted with the other sisters as well. I liked reading about the magical food they sell and how the manage the bakery.

To summarize: This was another great read in this series. It was lighthearted, fun and romantic. There was something that felt so comfortable about returning to this series and I really enjoyed this story. The holiday theme of this book was fun and I liked reading about the Christmas Fayre. Edward and Rowen were great together, their romance was so sweet and I liked them together. There are some great scenes and I liked how Rowen made sure to apologize about her behavior and explaining things to him and how Edward helped her out when there was an issue at the fayre. They made for a great couple and I liked reading about them. I liked how this book continues a plot thread from Ash's novella and I enjoyed seeing Rowen interact with Ash. I look forward to the next book in this series!

[Stacey Sturgis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting of a Christmas fair and the premise of infusing baked goods with positive emotions. Laura’s books always have great characters and fun backgrounds.

Rowen, however, stressed me out. She was quite uptight and made me feel her emotions without the benefit of getting the good gingerbread!

NOTE There is ableism in a scene when a character mixes up numbers and accidentally directs customers to the Broomstick instead of the correct bakery. She gets overly upset at this dyscalculia and uses the word stupid. I also don’t understand why customers would think the samples are from Broomstick when he clearly names the stall, as well as describing the product. What exactly is there to be disappointed about?

[Laura Greenwood]

The Broomstick Bakery Series:

1. The Cupcake Witch: books2read.com/thecupcakewitch
2. The Macaron Witch: books2read.com/themacaronwitch
3. The Gingerbread Witch: books2read.com/thegingerbreadwitch
4. The Baklava Witch: books2read.com/thebaklavawitch

- The Pastry Warlock: A Broomstick Bakery Story (#2.5): https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Chance Meeting . . .

Rowen Parkes is the oldest sister working in the Broomstick Bakery. She is preparing to sell her magic cakes at the Christmas Fayre. Edward is also at the Fayre, helping his brother with the mulled wine stand. Meeting each other made each aware that they were attracted and this might actually lead somewhere! Will they find a future together? Or will her lingering fears hold her back from committing to a new relationship?

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back at the Broomstick Bakery, and it's Rowen's book. Rowen is busy preparing for the Christmas Fayre, wanting to have the booth ready to succeed and be better than the year before.

I loved this story, as I do all of the other Broomstick Bakery books (make sure you read The Pastry Warlock between books 2 and 3 also!). They are fun, not too long, but pack all the goodness and sweetness that you want inside the pages.

As with every book, there's a little problem that needs a little fixin, but what's life without a little 'ughs'.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

book delivers on cuteness

Short and cute winter romance with a dash of magic. A bakery owner meets a barrister/winery owner at a Fayre. Lots of looks at a busy family full of love, a clean romance with a HEA

[Emilija · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2025 52 Book Challenge - December Mini Challenge - 8) Baked Goods

This was a cute little story about a witch who bakes, and is baking for a Christmas Fayre. It was really cute and sweet, but the plot is basically her going on a date.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Nibble Christmas Paranormal Romance

I've read books by this author for a long time. She is a very prolific writer, and she knows her craft, as her books are always just pleasant to read. Great dialogue, good interactions, interesting backstories that she doesn't overwhelm the reader with (i.e., no info dumping), and secondary characters who add to the charm of the story. The only thing I'm not wild about is that most of her books are really short, not giving enough time for character or romance to develop. While it's not quite as bad as instalove romances, little time is given to any part of the story. For instance, in this book, the couple only meets about a third of the way through the book—I was surprised when I noticed this on my Kindle—and it feels like the story barely got going, and then it was over. I love the idea of the Broomstick Bakery, and its treats that help evoke emotions are a lot of fun. Like the mistletoe kiss cupcake that makes you feel as if you've had the most delightful kiss or the gingerbread “biscuits” (i.e., cookies, as the author is British) that bring up happy holiday memories when you eat them. I do wish now and then that she would write a proper novel I could really sink my teeth into instead of all these super quick-read novellas, but that's just my preference. It's been a while since I've read her books, so this is the first I’ve read that uses the first person present tense, my least favorite tense for a book. I've been reading for decades, and the way books have always been written until recently was in the third person past. Somebody in the contemporary romance genres started writing in the first person present not long ago, and that caught fire. I hate to see it spreading to paranormal and fantasy as well. Again, just a personal preference. Otherwise, a lovely quick nibble of a read.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas @ Broomstick Bakery


Looks like the oldest Parkes is about to give romance a try. The third book in the Broomstick Bakery series, the Gingerbread Witch, finds the oldest Parkes sibling getting out of her head and possibly falling in love. There's a bit of a grumpy/sunshine dynamic but it's not what you would expect. The witch who makes literally magical baked goods is grumpy while the guy who is a lawyer is a playful kidder. But don't get me wrong, they still have a fair amount in common.


Rowan Parkes is all about business. The family bakery is her life, she deals with everything from the business aspects to the baking and she doesn't date. Ever. When a chance encounter with a cute lawyer takes Rowan by surprise she opens up her heart and leaves her comfort zone behind. I was surprised by how open Rowan actually was, she's very rigid in her life so I'm a little shocked she took the chance but when things click, they click. I'm happy that she took the chance and even happier that she didn't give up.


As for the love interest, Edward, he's a good guy. He manages to get Rowan to open up and the banter between him and Row is excellent. There is a lightheartedness about him that balances out Row's uptightness. However, being a lawyer he understands her strong work ethic, and being part of a family business has him appreciating what Rowan does with the Bakery.


Gingerbread Witch was such a cute read. The story was fun, quick, and lighthearted. I enjoy following along with the Parkes as they find love while mixing baking and magic. There's one more Parkes sibling to go, Clover Parkes' story is up next in Baklava Witch.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some spoilers.
It’s Christmas Fair time and Rowen has a stall for the bakery. She was wary of the rush she was sure to get until her brother Ash who’s on holiday from school volunteers to help out. Setting up she meets a warlock named Edward who starts invading her thoughts almost constantly. Being the practical sister she assumes it’s a crush and the feelings will go away. What kind of romance would this be if that were true? Edward and Rowan navigate some rocky waters to start but both have strong emotions and the feeling that this is the beginning of something long term.
Sweet holiday romance. A bit of bumbling around the two but they manage to work through that. I love the dual perspectives giving us the chance to see and feel the relationship grow from the eyes of both Rowan and Edward. Love the sibling teasing that goes on and the strong bonds that they all have which clearly shines through. A very merry story perfect to snuggle up with on a holiday night or any night really.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan is the oldest sister of the sisters who own the Broomstick Bakery. Her specialty is making biscuits and gingerbread. She has focused all her time and effort the last few years making the bakery very successful. Usually Rowen stays in the kitchen working and not dealing with customers. Now it is Christmas Fayre time and every year she runs the bakery booth at the fayre. This year luckily she has her little brother to help. On the first day, she meets Edward who helps her hang her stall's banner. She really enjoys and talking and flirting with him. Maybe its time she thinks of more than business.

Edward is a lawyer but his family makes mead. This year he is helping out his brother at the Christmas Fayre. When he meets Rowen, he is definitely interested. Learning about how they incorporate feelings into their baked goods fascinates him. Edward want to help Rowen feel a little Christmas cheer the natural way.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could use some ‘Warm By The Fire brandy snaps’ right about now

It’s not just at fictional Christmas Fayres that ‘day drinking seems to not just be accepted, but encouraged’. Getting tipsy enough at a Purim wine banquet is part and parcel of Orthodox Jewish practices. And a wee bit of “L’Chayim” just prior to Shabbat every Friday evening (and perhaps another at Shabbat lunch…).
Why do holidays make people wanna drink more? Hmmm…anyway.

There’s nothing like a younger sibling to razz about crushes. My brother would narc on me to our parents when we were in grade school. A few years later, he bribed one of my best friends with a popsicle to get the goods on me. Oh, such fond memories.

The characters not only work their passions, but the sisters also work as a team based on their individual skill sets. Many organizations could improve their bottom line by operating under that model.


Get ready to observe Clover’s romance in the upcoming series finale, ‘The Baklava Witch’.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Some things are better done by hand.”

Rowan is the eldest of the siblings who own and operate Broomstick Bakery where they magically infuse their treats with a sense of emotion, not enough to influence, but enough to make you aware of, and appreciate a feeling.

When she meets Edward, working one of the other stalls at the Christmas Fayre, she gets a fresh reminder it can be hard to differentiate between the real deal and something similar, between genuine emotion, and desire. She faces her own ambitions, while also realizing she may not have been paying as much attention as she could to some of her siblings.

This done in one stand alone story packs a lot of story into a few pages as Rowan discovers her younger siblings have words of wisdom to offer, and lessons they can teach, between bouts of teasing her as only siblings can.

I was gifted with a copy of The Gingerbread Witch and chose to share my thoughts.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice addition to the series or even just a sweet holiday story.

It's the eldest sister, Rowen's story and takes place during the Christmas Fayre. (To be honest, being in the States, it took my brain a second to realize that fayre was fair and barrister was lawyer.)

A lot happens in this story but I'm only going to hit the highlights. You have to read for the how, why, and what.

The most shocking event is that the non dating Rowen actually gets a boyfriend!!! The Broomstick Bakery almost get a very bad reputation which would destroy the business. Ash FINALLY speaks up about wanting to be a part of the business and Hazel FINALLY tells Rowen she want to write a cookbook under the Broomstick Bakery name. How does Rowen react to all this??? Read and find out. You'll be glad you did.

This series keeps getting better and better. I'll be sad when we run out of siblings. It's highly recommend.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both our hero and heroine love the holiday fayre, but this year they might find an entirely new reason to celebrate.

This is book three of the series, written as a standalone side story. So no prior reading is required.

The story is a light hearted paranormal romance with a touch of magic. The story is well written and easy to read with an intriguing setting and fun characters. I loved both our hero and heroine and enjoyed watching the sparks fly as they explore the attraction between them. The plot moves at a solid pace and makes for a fun story. Overall, another enjoyable entrée from our author and I look forward to seeing more in this series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute installment in the quartet, this one revolves around the eldest Parkes' sister, Rowan, and her busy bakery stall at the Christmas Fayre. The romance is again very cute, sweet, and clean, and also relatable. Rowan's eldest sibling personality rears its head in many ways throughout the book, including her attention to detail and difficulty in delegating tasks to her younger siblings. As an eldest sister, I can relate to not always realizing when my younger siblings were actually grown up and able to take on things of their own. I'm continuously impressed by Laura Greenwood's ability to use realistic situations in her witchy stories, and make them flow so well. I read this on Kobo Plus.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairs, sweets and a looney bird
It's holiday time and a fair with lots of vendors and crafters is at hand. The bakery has a booth with lots of cakes, cookies and pastry's! Things go well but a chance encounter at the start makes for an interesting fair. An unfortunate mistake about half way in and Rowen is off kilter... an interesting idea from mulled cider booth Edward helps to fix things. The idea of free samples merges the 2 booths and kick starts a huge crowd of people buying from both booths... enough that the sisters come down en mass to help out. It's a great idea and both groups end up selling out of most everything! Edward and Rowen get to know each other and things are moving along swiftly! Am looking forward to learning more about Ash. A very fin series!

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan is determined that the Christmas Fayre this year will go well, and the Broomstick Bakery will gain more customers and profit as a result. Edward is working at his family's mulled wine stall at the fayre this year. He loves Christmas and when his brother asks him to go to the Broomstick Bakery stall, he gladly goes, but what he didn't expect was to be instantly taken by the pretty witch working there.
I love this series and the wonderful well written characters. This is a sweet witchy romance with a little twist, and a happily ever after. A must read for the holiday season.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jenn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bakery series is just super sweet! This time it’s the older sister’s turn to find her happiness and it happens at a Christmas fayre. Rowen has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders as the eldest sibling and does her best to ensure that the Broomstick Bakery does fantastic. However she has shutters on when it comes to her younger brother and relationships. Edward is at the fayre helping his brother out and falls for Rowen. Can Rowen step out of her comfort zone enough to give Edward a chance or will she close the door on his face. ….

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance. Bakery and Family.
These are the three things the eldest Parke’s sibling Rowan has in store for her story. Always in control and managing problems, Rowan gets a moment to relax and enjoy life with barrister Edward, younger brother to David, owner of the famous mulled wine family company. Accepting help and letting go are the two main points Rowan hesitates to allow. It’s a sweet romance expressing the family relationship of siblings and allowing oneself a chance at love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest review for a free ARC from the Author & Booksprout.

I am so honoured to read this book. It was a very happy & go lucky type of story. Rowen & Edward's relationship is full on by the time they decided to go on their 3rd date of ice-skating & to make things official. I really liked the kissing part from the main characters. It felt like the up's & down's of any relationship, beginning with the scared feelings of what if something goes wrong. I cannot wait until February to read the final book in this series.

Thank you once again Laura xx

[Alethia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rowen's spunk in the previous books of the series, so it was great to get to know her better. Edward was the right amount of sweet and daring to mesh well with Rowen. I liked that we got to see their story unfold while also getting to see more of the Parkes' brother as well. This was a lighthearted read with some magic, a little mystery, and just some good old fashioned Christmas fun. I recommend you read the whole series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is just so cute! I absolutely loved it. Edward and Rowen are perfect together. I enjoyed the time they sent together and how they helped each other. Rowen had not dated for a while so dating was not easy. Edward understands and is there for her as they develop a relationship. The banter between the youngest sibling Ash and Rowen was fun. The book showed that Ash wants to have a larger role in the bakery. The Christmas feel was perfect. I highly recommend this fun quick read with a bit of magic. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note 2,5/5.

😳 Cute and naive.


Rowen, 28, was making magic cakes in her bakery, to the sound of merry Christmas music.

She worked, always and even more.
She loved to bake cakes.

That day, to her surprise, her 19-year-old brother had come to help her...

-----------------

A cute and naive romance to discover absolutely for lovers of the genre.

Personally, I was not at all hooked on the two characters of Rowen and Edward.
I was bored.
This is absolutely not the read I was expecting.

Rather for fans of the series and the genre.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time for the serious, workaholic Rowen to find love!
I like her driveness and work ethics, and also the relationships between siblings - with teasing and banter and medling! But full of love! And she seems to find the same with Edward.
I love the whole extended family dinamics - Willow and Azil included, and cankt wait for Clover turn!
A sweet holiday season book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a book set around Christmas time. I enjoyed that this had the cozy mulled wine-and-cookies feelings without being overly Christmas-y. I wish we learned more about what the season means to the witches (do they have their own holiday traditions?). Edward was very sweet and I loved how they became a partnership so fast. Soon this family is going to rule the town!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this story is about Rowen. She's the eldest and has always come across as abrupt and bossy in other books, so it's great to learn more about her.

She's lovely, hardworking and dedicated to her role in the bakery. A classic workaholic! Meeting Edward seems to be a good thing for her.

I can't wait to read more in this series. I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Christmas Fayre Time!

Rowen is focused on making the Christmas Fayre a hit for Broomstick Bakery. When she meets Edward who’s helping at the mulled wine stand, she finds she’s interested in him as well. This story had a very introspective vibe, which I really enjoyed, plus getting to see Willow and Azil along with the other siblings at Broomstick Bakery really made me feel like part of the family. A lovely, warm-and-fuzzy read.