What do you think?
Rate this book
The Baker's Heart
GRANT
I’m not cut out for city life. Tried it. Didn’t work. Finally, I’m doing what makes me happy: baking. I’m about to take the plunge and open my own shop… until a tall, sophisticated, gorgeous brunette puts a bid on the space I’m after.
The town comes up with ridiculous terms and our only option is to share the same storefront. I’m not too concerned. Once she tires of the simplicity and slowness of Balsam Grove, Maine, she’ll leave for bigger and better things. It won’t be the first time I’ve witnessed it.
EVELYN
Needing kitchen therapy more than I do an upscale and unsatisfying lifestyle, I say goodbye to Boston to chase my dreams of opening an allergen-friendly donut shop. I find the perfect bakery location, but it means I have to share the space with Grant Hudson. He’s easy on the eyes, but he’s as cold as the frosting on his ice cream cakes.
But his frosty exterior quickly melts as soon as we become business partners. Before long, his dimples come out, and we’re sharing laughs and recipes, and he even shares his family’s holiday traditions with me. I swear I’m addicted to more than just his delicious, mouth-watering cupcakes.
But there’s a layer he keeps hidden, and it isn’t until his past walks in that all his sugary words turn bitter, along with my newfound belief in the holiday spirit.
I’m not cut out for city life. Tried it. Didn’t work. Finally, I’m doing what makes me happy: baking. I’m about to take the plunge and open my own shop… until a tall, sophisticated, gorgeous brunette puts a bid on the space I’m after.
The town comes up with ridiculous terms and our only option is to share the same storefront. I’m not too concerned. Once she tires of the simplicity and slowness of Balsam Grove, Maine, she’ll leave for bigger and better things. It won’t be the first time I’ve witnessed it.
EVELYN
Needing kitchen therapy more than I do an upscale and unsatisfying lifestyle, I say goodbye to Boston to chase my dreams of opening an allergen-friendly donut shop. I find the perfect bakery location, but it means I have to share the space with Grant Hudson. He’s easy on the eyes, but he’s as cold as the frosting on his ice cream cakes.
But his frosty exterior quickly melts as soon as we become business partners. Before long, his dimples come out, and we’re sharing laughs and recipes, and he even shares his family’s holiday traditions with me. I swear I’m addicted to more than just his delicious, mouth-watering cupcakes.
But there’s a layer he keeps hidden, and it isn’t until his past walks in that all his sugary words turn bitter, along with my newfound belief in the holiday spirit.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2022
10 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Rice
40 books289 followersMarianne Rice writes small town contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always find everlasting love.
When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.
To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html
When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.
To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 3, 2022
Grant and Evelyn are both stepping out of their comfort zones and attempting to jump start their new careers and broaden their horizons. But when they both set their sights on the same space for their future endeavors a little bit of tug of war and battle of wits comes into play. Grant is an amazing baker and Evelyn makes the most amazing allergy free donuts. So, while they both make life sweeter, their approach is decidedly different. So when the town matchmakers get involved, there's really nothing they can do except jump into the game with both feet and hope they come out unscathed.
This is a lovely small town/holiday romance.. I enjoyed it.. It's sweet, interesting and fun-to-read.. I loved this book as well as the beautiful cover. I enjoyed the twists and turns the characters faced to find their happy ever after. Looking forward to the next book in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a lovely small town/holiday romance.. I enjoyed it.. It's sweet, interesting and fun-to-read.. I loved this book as well as the beautiful cover. I enjoyed the twists and turns the characters faced to find their happy ever after. Looking forward to the next book in this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2024
YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND
The story is a sweet, clean contemporary story that takes place in the small town of Balsam Grove, Maine. Most people know each other, and Christmas trees are plentiful.
Grant Hudson grew up in Balsam Grove. Went to college, earned a degree, worked a high-paying job, started a retirement portfolio, and thought he knew what he wanted. He proposes to his high school sweetheart and she then ghost him. Moving away, never responding to any phone calls or messages. Grant isn’t happy in the city and moves back to his hometown. He loves to bake, and it is what kept him sane over the last couple of years. It will be his sister, Marley, who encourages him to open a bakery shop, rather than just work out of his kitchen.
Evelyn ‘Evie’ Barrett grew up as an only child to parents who spent seventy hours a week working. While they had a child, they never gave her affection and her life was rather sterile. It was in college that she experienced a different life. Having a roommate, sharing things, and learning about others. When she learns his roommate has celiac disease and the serious side effects of gluten, Evelyn learns to bake treats for her. It will be her love of baking and helping others that has her wanting to start her own donut shop. But she wants away from the city and finds a building in Balsam Grove that is perfect.
The story’s plot will have both Grant and Evelyn wanting the same building for their business. What a shock when they are told to have a bake-off and the winner gets to rent the building. Grant is local, and everyone knows and loves his baked goods—but Evelyn’s donuts are a hit too. The story is what happens after the bake-off. Can Grant and Evelyn learn to work together so they can both have what they want?
I loved the angst, frenemies to business partners, to eventually the beginnings of a sweet romance. But then trouble happens. I like that cool and confident Grant gets flustered and tongue-tied trying to talk with Evie as their relationship grows. The story is full of ups and downs as these two find their way exploring working in the same building while running two separate businesses and developing a friendship that might lead to more.
“The shift in our relationship was fast. We’d gone from enemies to untrusting strangers, to friends to—to what, I’m not sure.”
The story is a sweet, clean contemporary story that takes place in the small town of Balsam Grove, Maine. Most people know each other, and Christmas trees are plentiful.
Grant Hudson grew up in Balsam Grove. Went to college, earned a degree, worked a high-paying job, started a retirement portfolio, and thought he knew what he wanted. He proposes to his high school sweetheart and she then ghost him. Moving away, never responding to any phone calls or messages. Grant isn’t happy in the city and moves back to his hometown. He loves to bake, and it is what kept him sane over the last couple of years. It will be his sister, Marley, who encourages him to open a bakery shop, rather than just work out of his kitchen.
Evelyn ‘Evie’ Barrett grew up as an only child to parents who spent seventy hours a week working. While they had a child, they never gave her affection and her life was rather sterile. It was in college that she experienced a different life. Having a roommate, sharing things, and learning about others. When she learns his roommate has celiac disease and the serious side effects of gluten, Evelyn learns to bake treats for her. It will be her love of baking and helping others that has her wanting to start her own donut shop. But she wants away from the city and finds a building in Balsam Grove that is perfect.
The story’s plot will have both Grant and Evelyn wanting the same building for their business. What a shock when they are told to have a bake-off and the winner gets to rent the building. Grant is local, and everyone knows and loves his baked goods—but Evelyn’s donuts are a hit too. The story is what happens after the bake-off. Can Grant and Evelyn learn to work together so they can both have what they want?
I loved the angst, frenemies to business partners, to eventually the beginnings of a sweet romance. But then trouble happens. I like that cool and confident Grant gets flustered and tongue-tied trying to talk with Evie as their relationship grows. The story is full of ups and downs as these two find their way exploring working in the same building while running two separate businesses and developing a friendship that might lead to more.
“The shift in our relationship was fast. We’d gone from enemies to untrusting strangers, to friends to—to what, I’m not sure.”
November 7, 2022
This is another beautifully written story from the talented Marianne Rice. I’ve read several of her books and this is a winner, in my opinion. Grant and Evelyn (Evie) first meet when they’re both interested in the same building to start their own business. Linda and Bob think it’s a great idea to have them compete for votes and the winner will get the building. When the votes end in a tie, Bob, Linda, and the amatory suggest they share the space. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say I loved this fantastic read. Evie and Grant had two entirely different upbringings and I loved how Grant’s parents and his sister, Marley, embraced Evie into their family. Grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with these amazing characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2022
A delightful small-town love story with the main characters, from totally different backgrounds, overcoming negative first impressions and learning to work together.
Grant, the quintessential small-town hero, is convinced he’ll overcome any competition from Evelyn, the ‘city-girl’ who has the audacity to move onto his territory.
This ‘feel-good’ romance moves easily without any apparent significant highpoints (which makes the reader almost wonder why the story is continuing) until a twist in the late second half which gives the plot the spurt of dynamism it needs. Evelyn’s reaction to this situation is initially reactive and it is up to Grant to convince her that, once again, her perceptions are mistaken.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grant, the quintessential small-town hero, is convinced he’ll overcome any competition from Evelyn, the ‘city-girl’ who has the audacity to move onto his territory.
This ‘feel-good’ romance moves easily without any apparent significant highpoints (which makes the reader almost wonder why the story is continuing) until a twist in the late second half which gives the plot the spurt of dynamism it needs. Evelyn’s reaction to this situation is initially reactive and it is up to Grant to convince her that, once again, her perceptions are mistaken.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2022
Grant is a local who decides to open his own bakery after his sister tells him of a building for lease. He goes to meet with the realtors and Evelyn is there already to sign a contract. She wants to open a gluten-free bakery. Tensions are high regarding who will get the bakery. To decide who gets the bakery, a contest is proposed that the two bakers will bake some of their items and have the town vote on who’s they like the best.
Follow along to find out who gets the bakery and how their relationship evolves. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Follow along to find out who gets the bakery and how their relationship evolves. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2022
I loved this book as well as the beautiful cover. I enjoyed the twists and turns the characters faced to find their happy ever after. Looking forward to the next book in this new series.
November 5, 2022
Grant and Evie's story is like a tall mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows on a cold night. This story is comfort, clean and sweet.
Grant is a local baker, who gets prodded by his sister to take a leap and open a shop because everyone loves his baking. Confident that the site is his, Grant is shocked to learn someone else is ready to purchase the place. Evelyn is tired of city life and the expectations that don't consider her dreams. She's done corporate and wants no part of it any longer. She wants to set up her allergen -free shop in small town Balsam Grove and it looked like a done deal until Grant showed up.
Now Evelyn and Grant must have a bake-off and the townies get to decide who deserves the shop. Then what? I guess you'll need to read to find out.
I enjoyed this story. There were bits of feminism thrown in that made me roll my eyes. Why can't guys just be chivalrous? It didn't detract from the book, but it was something that stood out to me. I enjoyed getting to know Grant's family and friends. I liked how everything came together for the couple. I'd recommend this read to anyone who likes clean romances that make you smile.
I would easily recommend this to friends and family who want a cute and quick feel-good read.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
Grant is a local baker, who gets prodded by his sister to take a leap and open a shop because everyone loves his baking. Confident that the site is his, Grant is shocked to learn someone else is ready to purchase the place. Evelyn is tired of city life and the expectations that don't consider her dreams. She's done corporate and wants no part of it any longer. She wants to set up her allergen -free shop in small town Balsam Grove and it looked like a done deal until Grant showed up.
Now Evelyn and Grant must have a bake-off and the townies get to decide who deserves the shop. Then what? I guess you'll need to read to find out.
I enjoyed this story. There were bits of feminism thrown in that made me roll my eyes. Why can't guys just be chivalrous? It didn't detract from the book, but it was something that stood out to me. I enjoyed getting to know Grant's family and friends. I liked how everything came together for the couple. I'd recommend this read to anyone who likes clean romances that make you smile.
I would easily recommend this to friends and family who want a cute and quick feel-good read.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2022
Evelyn and Grant start out as rivals for the same business location until the town matchmakers decide they should work together. It was funny when they played off each other and used their mutual love of spreadsheets to come up with compromises that worked for both of them. I loved her special niche of donuts that catered to those with allergies while being delicious for everyone’s consumption. Grant gets up the courage to ask Evelyn out until his ex comes back and stirs up Evelyn’s insecurities. I was angry at her for repeatedly pushing Grant towards his ex and shutting him out without allowing him to explain. But his family is wonderful and I’m looking forward to his sister’s romance.
November 5, 2022
Well I was definitely craving sweet things after this, sparks fly when Grant and Evie first meet and thanks to potential meddling they end up having to work together in order to both get the shop front they are both after. There are plenty of laughs to be had between Grant and Evie as they work through becoming business roommates and their attraction grows, we also get awkward moments, new experiences and a rather crazy bump in the road to love. This was a fantastic read and can not wait for more in the series and hope I get who the next book will be about right!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2022
Two bakers, two businesses, one rental space, and a tie at the bake-off mean that Grant and Evelyn have to figure out how to share the space. I love the small-town setting, and Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays are a bonus. Grant and Evie both have hurt in their pasts to overcome. They're not perfect people, but as it turns out, they're perfect for each other. While her family situation is painful, his family could not be more welcoming to Evie. I'm looking forward to more romance in Balsam Grove. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2022
The first book in the A Balsam Grove Christmas series a beautiful story. Grant and Evie(Evelyn) both want the same store for their businesses in Balsam Grove, Maine, so they do not get along at the start. Grant has been hurt by the woman he thought would be his wife, they both have things in their pasts they have to overcome. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2022
The Baker's Heart is a sweet, heartwarming Holiday romance between Grant and Evie (Evelyn) who are both after the same bakery. I loved the way the author had them sharing the storefront and how they started out as enemies but end up so much more. This is a well written, small town romance with well developed characters, and a beautiful story. The Baker's Heart is a great start to a new series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
November 4, 2022
A sweet and wholesome Christmas story. This story is realistic and inspiring. It's full of hope and promise. The romance is heartwarming with just enough drama to keep you turning pages. If you are looking for a book with wonderful characters full of small town charm, grab this book. I loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2022
Evie and Grants story is fun, sweet with a bit of spice that make their story warm you up and makes you smile.
Grants has finally decided to open a shop. Evie is looking to get away from the big city. When their dreams collide, they have to bake off to see what happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grants has finally decided to open a shop. Evie is looking to get away from the big city. When their dreams collide, they have to bake off to see what happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2022
Marianne Rice once again gives us a magical story. Wonderful characters, great story, and a tiny bit of drama. HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2022
This is a lovely small town/holiday romance.. I enjoyed it.. It's sweet, interesting and fun-to-read..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2025
sweet love
Grant and Evie start on the wrong foot but with close proximity things change. This is a sweet book and is written well.
Grant and Evie start on the wrong foot but with close proximity things change. This is a sweet book and is written well.
December 30, 2022
Professional enemies become partners and more in a sweet tale of finding what was missing in life, and finding each other during the holidays.
November 6, 2022
A wonderful story featuring two people leaving the big city to pursue a new career.
A charming small town, Christmas romance begins when Grant and Evelyn end up sharing a retail space.
This story adds twists and turns, making it a page turner. Highly recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A charming small town, Christmas romance begins when Grant and Evelyn end up sharing a retail space.
This story adds twists and turns, making it a page turner. Highly recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews