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The Paws & Pastries #1
Sweets & Treats: Book 2 in the Paws & Pastries Series
Clara’s decision to open her patisserie in Pinewood has her happily burning the candle at both ends to make her dream a reality. And an unlikely collaboration is healing for both parties.
With Noelle at her side, she and her canine companion are settling into a new home and forming friendships. There’s even romance in the air.
Back in Glenn Hills, however, her husband is stirring up trouble and doing everything he can to derail their divorce. Anxious to move forward with her life—both professional and personal—as a single woman, Clara is at her wit’s end. Sometimes, however, fate steps in to lend a helping hand.
Follow along as Clara forges her path in the warm community of Pinewood.
Interview with the Author Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I'm an attorney and have done a lot of technical writing, but knew I wanted to write novels. I thought I'd find time when I retired. Fate stepped in, as it often does, and put me on this path sooner. I broke my neck in an auto accident and suffered from double vision for months. I couldn't read or watch TV, so I conceived the plot for my Rosemont series. Why did you decide to write a series?
I prefer television series to movies. The longer format of television allows for deeper character development. The same holds true for series fiction. I like to fall in love with a character or hate a character (but root for them to change their ways). I feel like Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi from Alexander McCall Smith's Ladies' Detective Agency series are old friends. I wanted to recreate that sort of connection in the Rosemont series. What other authors do you read or admire?
I'm a fan of women's fiction, women's sagas, romantic suspense, domestic suspense, crime fiction, and romance. I love Rosamunde Pilcher's later trilogy -The Shell Seekers, Coming Home, and September . Jan Karon's Mitford series creates an enchanting world, as does Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove. My Rosemont series is set in the current day, but I've tried to capture a feeling of camaraderie and connection (among the good guys) that takes us back to a slightly simpler time and place. What are your favorite books?
In addition to the works I've already mentioned, I adored A Man Called One, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and A Long Way from Chicago. Who has had the greatest influence on your author life?
My dad--without question. He told me or read me a bedtime story every night of my childhood, often adding his own twists and turns to the plots or dialogue. He had an incredible, gentle sense of humor. He also wrote novels--who-done-its--when he retired. What are the high points of your author journey?
There are 3 things I hold very 1) hearing from readers--especially newly blind adults--that my Guiding Emilyseries has given then hope and provided comfort, 2) having my novella The Christmas Club made into a Hallmark Channel movie of the same name (2019), and 3) seeing my name on the USA Today Bestseller List. What of your own interests have you written about in the Rosemont series?
I love my home and all things related to cooking, gardening, decorating, and entertaining. I love
celebrating all of the seasons and I change my decor for Easter, 4th of July, fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring.
With Noelle at her side, she and her canine companion are settling into a new home and forming friendships. There’s even romance in the air.
Back in Glenn Hills, however, her husband is stirring up trouble and doing everything he can to derail their divorce. Anxious to move forward with her life—both professional and personal—as a single woman, Clara is at her wit’s end. Sometimes, however, fate steps in to lend a helping hand.
Follow along as Clara forges her path in the warm community of Pinewood.
Interview with the Author Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I'm an attorney and have done a lot of technical writing, but knew I wanted to write novels. I thought I'd find time when I retired. Fate stepped in, as it often does, and put me on this path sooner. I broke my neck in an auto accident and suffered from double vision for months. I couldn't read or watch TV, so I conceived the plot for my Rosemont series. Why did you decide to write a series?
I prefer television series to movies. The longer format of television allows for deeper character development. The same holds true for series fiction. I like to fall in love with a character or hate a character (but root for them to change their ways). I feel like Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi from Alexander McCall Smith's Ladies' Detective Agency series are old friends. I wanted to recreate that sort of connection in the Rosemont series. What other authors do you read or admire?
I'm a fan of women's fiction, women's sagas, romantic suspense, domestic suspense, crime fiction, and romance. I love Rosamunde Pilcher's later trilogy -The Shell Seekers, Coming Home, and September . Jan Karon's Mitford series creates an enchanting world, as does Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove. My Rosemont series is set in the current day, but I've tried to capture a feeling of camaraderie and connection (among the good guys) that takes us back to a slightly simpler time and place. What are your favorite books?
In addition to the works I've already mentioned, I adored A Man Called One, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and A Long Way from Chicago. Who has had the greatest influence on your author life?
My dad--without question. He told me or read me a bedtime story every night of my childhood, often adding his own twists and turns to the plots or dialogue. He had an incredible, gentle sense of humor. He also wrote novels--who-done-its--when he retired. What are the high points of your author journey?
There are 3 things I hold very 1) hearing from readers--especially newly blind adults--that my Guiding Emilyseries has given then hope and provided comfort, 2) having my novella The Christmas Club made into a Hallmark Channel movie of the same name (2019), and 3) seeing my name on the USA Today Bestseller List. What of your own interests have you written about in the Rosemont series?
I love my home and all things related to cooking, gardening, decorating, and entertaining. I love
celebrating all of the seasons and I change my decor for Easter, 4th of July, fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring.
194 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2022
141 people are currently reading
1304 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Hinske
46 books1,395 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. Barbara is the bestselling author of the beloved Rosemont series; the acclaimed Guiding Emily series; a collection of murder mystery thrillers in her "Who's There?" collection; and her sweet Christmas novellas The Christmas Club (adapted for the Hallmark Channel in 2019), Paws & Pastries, and No Matter How Far.
She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking and gardening. Now that her novel The Christmas Club has been made into a Hallmark Channel movie, she is completely star-struck and thrilled to have her work on the screen.
She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking and gardening. Now that her novel The Christmas Club has been made into a Hallmark Channel movie, she is completely star-struck and thrilled to have her work on the screen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 6, 2022
Sweet story. I really enjoyed this relaxing read. I read books one and two back-to-back, and highly recommend. There are no murders, no bad language, no sex…just really great, interesting stories!
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April 6, 2022Sweets & Treats is the sequel to Paws & Pastries and the second book in the Paws & Pastries series. I wrote Paws & Pastries during the recent covid isolation as a way to take my mind off of...well...everything. I never dreamed it would be so successful and that readers would want more of Clara's story in the warm-hearted community of Pinewood. I was thrilled to oblige!
Writing Sweets & Treats involved all of my favorite things: women pursuing their dreams; second chance love; supportive intergeneration friendships; cozy small towns; dogs; and baking! As part of my research, my husband and I took baking glasses at J. L. Patisserie in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jenna Leurquin (the owner) is a French-trained patisserie and a natural teacher. She could be Clara. We took a class in eclairs and one in croissants. My husband isn't a cook but is a very good sport and loved these classes. I'll continue to buy my croissants so I have time to write, but I loved learning how to make them.
I hope you enjoy Sweets & Treats as much as I loved writing it!
Writing Sweets & Treats involved all of my favorite things: women pursuing their dreams; second chance love; supportive intergeneration friendships; cozy small towns; dogs; and baking! As part of my research, my husband and I took baking glasses at J. L. Patisserie in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jenna Leurquin (the owner) is a French-trained patisserie and a natural teacher. She could be Clara. We took a class in eclairs and one in croissants. My husband isn't a cook but is a very good sport and loved these classes. I'll continue to buy my croissants so I have time to write, but I loved learning how to make them.
I hope you enjoy Sweets & Treats as much as I loved writing it!
April 24, 2022
Will Clara’s dreams come true starting her new life? You will find personable characters, a charming town, mouth watering food descriptions, human’s best friend, and a wonderfully woven plot in Barbara Hinske’s book Sweets & Treats.
May 24, 2022
This is book 2 in the Paw and Pastries series. Clara is in a new town starting a new life. Her dream is to open a pastierre. She has many new friends in Pinewood and has decided to stay. Will her divorce go through finally? Will she find a place to rent that will allow her to keep her dog? Will she find the support she needs to pursue her dream? Read and find out. It’s a sweet story with great characters. Thank you to Barbara Hinske for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2022
We’ll written, but we’ll I can’t give this book a five.
Barbara Hinske is one of my favorite authors. I loved the Rosemont series. But this book just didn’t grab me. I kept waiting for the plot to develop some kind of a quandary beside the obviously overworked, tired, and stressed heroine, but nothing really happened until the last chapter. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 for no grammar or spelling mistakes and good editing.
Barbara Hinske is one of my favorite authors. I loved the Rosemont series. But this book just didn’t grab me. I kept waiting for the plot to develop some kind of a quandary beside the obviously overworked, tired, and stressed heroine, but nothing really happened until the last chapter. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 for no grammar or spelling mistakes and good editing.
December 19, 2024
A sweet story about starting over.
May 25, 2022
Fantastic reading
As with her other books, this one is enjoyable reading, can't wait for the next one. Wish you could write as fast as I can read your books
As with her other books, this one is enjoyable reading, can't wait for the next one. Wish you could write as fast as I can read your books
May 19, 2022
This is the sequel to Paws & Pastries. Clara is settling into her life in Pinewood where she is realizing her dream of opening a patisserie. She has adopted a dog named Noelle, but she is still in the process of divorcing Travis. Josef and Maisie also have plans for their new friend. I received an ARC from the author, but all opinions are my own; and I cannot thank the author enough for listening to my suggestion. I’ve read everything Barbara Hinske has written and look forward to reading many more. I highly recommend all her books!
May 19, 2022
Barbara Hinske has given us another wonderful novel. Clara left her home in the previous book, Paws & Pastries, to find a new life. She has settled into her new town, met wonderful friends, and is working toward her dream of opening her own patisserie. There is also the most adorable rescue dog who has adopted Clara. Ms. Hinske takes us through Clara's ups and downs of leaving her old life behind and starting anew. You will learn to love the characters in this series as much as you love the people of Rosemont.
I was fortunate to be an Advanced Reader for this book.
I was fortunate to be an Advanced Reader for this book.
May 21, 2022
loved it!
I love happy endings! Just wish I could go visit “Sweets and Treats” for real - everything sounds so delicious. Reading Book 1 will help this one make sense but it stands alone well too. I recommend reading both of them and I hope there will be more to come in this series.
I love happy endings! Just wish I could go visit “Sweets and Treats” for real - everything sounds so delicious. Reading Book 1 will help this one make sense but it stands alone well too. I recommend reading both of them and I hope there will be more to come in this series.
May 18, 2022
Clara gets stuck in Pinewood and ends up finding home. She falls in love with the town and the people and decides to settle down there. Her dream is to start her own patisserie. Things seem to be going along quite well except for setbacks occurring due to the divorce she’s currently going through. A lovely story about new friendships, new beginnings, following your dreams, and maybe a new guy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 30, 2022
Awesome Book
Loved this book. I’m so glad that Barbara wrote this sequel, and we get to see the further adventures of Clara. Many of us have had to start over due to loss of jobs, divorce, death of a loved one, etc. I can truly relate to what Clara is going through in this book. I would recommend this book.
Loved this book. I’m so glad that Barbara wrote this sequel, and we get to see the further adventures of Clara. Many of us have had to start over due to loss of jobs, divorce, death of a loved one, etc. I can truly relate to what Clara is going through in this book. I would recommend this book.
May 20, 2022
Book #2 in this wonderful series, and another great story by Barbara Hinske!
Absolutely loved it! A sweet, believable continuing story about starting a new, fresh life that left me wanting to know more about the characters and life in the charming town of Pinewood, a 3 to 5-book series would be nice. Thank you for your writing talent, Barbara!
Absolutely loved it! A sweet, believable continuing story about starting a new, fresh life that left me wanting to know more about the characters and life in the charming town of Pinewood, a 3 to 5-book series would be nice. Thank you for your writing talent, Barbara!
May 21, 2022
Wonderful book/series
This is completely sweet story. Enjoyed it immensely. I have read all of Barbara's books and they are suberb. Pick up a copy today and get started. Barbara is also a feel good author and it does make you feel good to read her stories.
This is completely sweet story. Enjoyed it immensely. I have read all of Barbara's books and they are suberb. Pick up a copy today and get started. Barbara is also a feel good author and it does make you feel good to read her stories.
May 19, 2022
Friendship
Clara is preparing to open her French bakery. Her new friends , A couple who own an eatery, are helping.
Everything is going well except for her husband, from whom she is being divorced. He is making as much trouble for her as possible until the police arrest him.
Clara is preparing to open her French bakery. Her new friends , A couple who own an eatery, are helping.
Everything is going well except for her husband, from whom she is being divorced. He is making as much trouble for her as possible until the police arrest him.
May 19, 2022
Barbara Hinske has done it again! Sweets and Treats is a heartwarming story of hope, love, challenges, courage, romance and rediscovering oneself. I give it 5 stars!
May 7, 2022
DELIGHTFUL!
This is the 2nd book in the Paws & Pastries series. It is set in the small community of Pinewood and author Barbara Hinske has filled this book with wonderful characters! The thing I like most is the characters are of different generations but draw on the strength of one another to accomplish their goals. They are willing to learn from each other and not feel threatened and, in doing so, give new meaning and purpose to each other in times of tremendous change. Hinske paints a beautiful word picture of how friendships can help heal so many broken parts of our lives – some we recognize and some we do not. A delightful story from start to finish!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Casa del Northern Publishing. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
This is the 2nd book in the Paws & Pastries series. It is set in the small community of Pinewood and author Barbara Hinske has filled this book with wonderful characters! The thing I like most is the characters are of different generations but draw on the strength of one another to accomplish their goals. They are willing to learn from each other and not feel threatened and, in doing so, give new meaning and purpose to each other in times of tremendous change. Hinske paints a beautiful word picture of how friendships can help heal so many broken parts of our lives – some we recognize and some we do not. A delightful story from start to finish!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Casa del Northern Publishing. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
May 3, 2022
just the sort of small town folk you'd wish to encounter! a charming story of finding a new space for oneself for one's dreams. I especially was inspired by one of the older characters in the book and how she worked through the changes brought about later in life.
Read
April 19, 2022What a wonderful follow up to Paws and Pastries. I received an advance reader copy and the view is totally my own. After reading the continuation of Clara's story I can only hope there will be more. After some ups and downs she is able to open the patisserie and contends with her soon to be ex , who by the way who is a major cheat, and is able with some great new friends and her new doggie to begin a new life in Pineview!
April 13, 2022
My one complaint, if I had one, is that this story ended way before I was ready for it to. But I am hopeful that there will be another book forthcoming. I am in love with Pinewood and the wonderful folks who live there. I really don’t know who is my favorite person. They all have special qualities. I love the love between Josef and Maisie and how they share that love with others. It was fun being with Clara as she was dealing with her life, both the good and bad. Kurt is another who goes over and above. I can’t forget Noelle, who is a real sweetheart. I love the story and the characters and cannot wait to be with them again. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
April 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, so heartwarming. I didn't want it to end!! Likeable characters in a quaint little town. I look forward to the next book of this series.
May 20, 2022
Book 2 in this delightful series and I wasn’t ready for the story to end! As Clara forged on to follow her dream, little did she know it would also give a lifeline to more than one in her circle of new friends. Challenged by her ex-husband’s latest wrenches to her plans, Clara perseveres and decides to make life changing decisions. One can’t help but feel the emotions from this wonderfully written journey of Clara and those close to her in the charming town of Pinewood. Reading this makes you feel like you’re back home again with Clara, Maisie, Josef, Kurt, and the terrier dachshund mix Noelle. You’ll enjoy Barbara Hinske’s Sweets & Treats!
October 7, 2024
This is the 2nd in the Paws & Pastries series of novellas following Clara Conway as she rebuilds her life in the charming community of Pinewood after her marriage ends. It picks up immediately after the first book ends and mostly details the steps Clara took to open her patisserie. I found the steps to starting Clara’s business fascinating as her community of friends rallied around her and helped her out. Clara’s rescue dog Noelle is adorable and the found family of people around her are all supportive. It’s a very easy, very enjoyable read involving baking and dogs, and I loved it!
July 6, 2022
Book 2
Sweets and Treats was a very enjoyable read. Closely following book 1, the story continues with Clara & Noelle. The joy she has in hopefully opening her own shop clearly comes through. But all the emotions she has to go through in doing this, and in straightening out her new life really puts a strain on her emotions.
I loved this book, a great ending for the 2 book series.
Sweets and Treats was a very enjoyable read. Closely following book 1, the story continues with Clara & Noelle. The joy she has in hopefully opening her own shop clearly comes through. But all the emotions she has to go through in doing this, and in straightening out her new life really puts a strain on her emotions.
I loved this book, a great ending for the 2 book series.
June 9, 2024
I was a children's librarian for twenty five years. These books by this author are delightful. They remind me of when I first discovered series books for myself. I read obsessively because it is my drug of choice. I am a full time care giver to a Husband with parkinsons. I love that You learn about a subject that the author has researched. The characters are well developed and It is fun to read what comes next for them.
January 10, 2023
Clara survives
I really liked this sequel to the first book. Clara is a good character and I loved the town she found. I would really like to know what happens next but if I don't find out I can deal with that too. I love Barbara Hi she's books and will keep reading anything she writes.
I really liked this sequel to the first book. Clara is a good character and I loved the town she found. I would really like to know what happens next but if I don't find out I can deal with that too. I love Barbara Hi she's books and will keep reading anything she writes.
August 2, 2023
Sweets and Treats of a book!
Clara again has ups and downs as she begins to accomplish the dream of opening a patisserie shop.
The people in Pinewood are so special and make you want to live in this town.
The twists and turns of Clara's divorce issues, from her cheating husband, will have you on the edge of your seat.
I can't wait for the third installment out this fall.
Clara again has ups and downs as she begins to accomplish the dream of opening a patisserie shop.
The people in Pinewood are so special and make you want to live in this town.
The twists and turns of Clara's divorce issues, from her cheating husband, will have you on the edge of your seat.
I can't wait for the third installment out this fall.
November 2, 2024
After reading the first story in this four book series I had to continue & loved the way the author continued in book two. I am ready to start book three to find out how things continue.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys stories with dogs, starting fresh, & making new friends that become family.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys stories with dogs, starting fresh, & making new friends that become family.
May 31, 2022
When I finished reading Paws and Pastries my first thought was hoping there would be a sequel.
Sweets and Treats continues the story and leaves you wanting this to become a series.
I enjoyed both books and look forward, hopefully, to the next.
Sweets and Treats continues the story and leaves you wanting this to become a series.
I enjoyed both books and look forward, hopefully, to the next.
July 17, 2022
Sweet for sure
Another great read by Barbara Hinske. From the first chapter everything gelled together for Clare with her dream of freedom and to fulfill her special dream of Sweets and Treats .
Another great read by Barbara Hinske. From the first chapter everything gelled together for Clare with her dream of freedom and to fulfill her special dream of Sweets and Treats .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews