From Scratch

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley for a honest review.

I haven't read a lot of Christian books, so I don't have much to compare this book too, but I like the story line of Maggie being a baker and Sean being a Police Chief in a small town, them not getting along at first and then coming together. I thought this was a sweet romance with some suspense thrown in. I like both the Maggie and Sean, although, I did get a bit tired of Maggie always making perfect desserts. I thought the references to God where all in line with the story and they helped to add to the storyline. So why only the 4stars? I like a bit more intensity between my h and H, I didn't feel there love, I was more told they, that they are in love. But if your in the market for an overall well written sweet romance, this a good contender.

a sweet romance

Maggie had moved to Gibson Run six months before. She had opened up a bakery and had made a few friends and was starting to fit into the small community very well. Everyone loved her except for her landlord, the chief of police, Sean. She irritated him and he reciprocated. Finally a truce was declared and they began to be friends.

Maggie had lost both of her parents at seventeen years old and, other than an "uncle" had no one. Both of Sean's parents were dead but he had two brothers he was close to, Mac and Joey, and was part of a larger extended adopted family in Gibson Run. He had grown up in the town and was well liked by all the citizens. The town was quiet and rarely did he have problems in his role as police chief.

When a stranger appeared, the "nosy" lady, Sissy, in town raised the alarm and started documenting the strangers movements and location. Because she did this all the time, the citizens pretty much ignored her until Sean began to think she might be on to something after all.

Maggie had secrets that she couldn't share with anyone. She had been running from a psychopath and was getting ready to run again should he show up. Mitchell had just been released from prison and she was scared he would run her life once again. He would take pleasure in destroying her life and hurting those that she was beginning to love and care for.

As their friendship began to become something more, Sean was determined to learn about Maggie's secrets as he began to care deeply for this beautiful, quirky, lady baker. Could he help her to see that she could trust him and that he could protect her? Would she ever feel safe again?

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I could barely put this book down. The love story was poignant and the story surrounding Maggie had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for her through every turn of the page. I highly recommend this book and this author!!

Loved the story of Maggie and Sean. Maggie had been through a lot and was going that the running was over. Sean, the local Chief of Police had no intention of getting to know Maggie. This very suspenseful story was very fast paced and relatable to things in today's headlines. Faith in God ran true throughout.

Maggie McKitrick has opened a bakery in Gibson's Run, Ohio. Other than bickering with her police chief landlord over her rented space, she seems to be settling in with new friends and a growing business. But what brought her to Gibson's Run, and why is she so easily spooked by a few out-of-place incidents? Why does Chief Taylor feel that he's not getting all of the answers he's looking for, even as they set their differences aside?

I am a sucker for books about bakers and chefs; and I loved those scenes within this book, where Maggie is creating and interacting with customers and friends over the fantastic desserts she has crafted. The highlight of the book, however, was watching Maggie take root in this life she'd begun without any ties. As strangers became friends, and friends became family, it was uplifting to watch her be able to trust God in settling her in this place, allowing herself to stop hiding and confide in someone about her past. It was also refreshing to have that happen before it was revealed through other means. There are some disturbing sections regarding the reason for her running, but they're not over-the-top, and they serve as the means for Maggie's life as it is and give foundation to her deep faith in God. While the online descriptions of the book promote it heavily as a romance, I would say that's only a minor portion of this bigger story of faith, friends, and family. I do hope that this will become a series, and that we will get to look more into the characters of Gibson's Run, and perhaps the remaining Taylor brothers?

I've only read a handful of Christian books and so far they are great reads. This one is very refreshing. I love the initial bickering between Maggie and Sean. The romance was very light and sweet reminded me a little of new adult in some ways. Maggie went through alot in her past and I fell in love with how they were there for each other through it all. It's all about Faith.

This was such a sweet, charming book. I'm drawn to bakery themed cozies, I'm not sure why. great character development, interesting goings on, seems like it would be a lovely place to visit. I enjoyed my stay and hope that our lovely author brings us back door another visit.

*I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest opinion.*

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the growth of the relationship between Sean and Maggie. I loved Maggie's strength and belief in God, that allowed her to face her fears and overcome them. A great story that I would recommend to anyone.

This book was a really enjoyable read. Maggie is a very fun girl who is trying to rediscover herself. She is an amazing baker and is lucky to have found such a wonderful town to live in. Of course with every town there is the busy body who knows everything that happens in the town. She was actually not as annoying as some book have the busy body. Sean is a sweetheart and once he and Maggie stop fighting they are a great couple. CE Hilbert created a downright creepy stalker for Maggie. He is super scary and adds a lot of suspense the book. But the book was not full of fear like some suspenseful book have. Maggie and Sean's characters grew a lot through out the book and it was fun to get to know them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The developing relationship between Maggie and Sean was delightful. I will be looking for more titles from C.E. Hilbert.

Not a good idea to have the police chief mad at you.

What's her real name, I wonder.

What's her deal with cops?

Holy cuckoo-for-Cocoa-Puffs.

Sometimes it pays to have nosy neighbors.

People who share their dessert can't be trusted.

Well, at least she will never be an out-of-work actor.

Um, loosen the reins, Bitsy.

Everything sounds yummy.

Ham salad? Much as I love ham, eww.

These boys are totally whipped.

So. Creepy.

Joey, please stop talking about yourself in the third person. Even I want to smack you.

Lizzie is very cute.

Uncle Jack rocks.

What's sad and definitely worrisome is that this guy completely believes what he's selling.

That's so nice of them! This is a great town.

Omigod, be careful with those candles! Jeez.

This is a radically dangerous romantic story - wow - that was a mouth full. This is about Maggie - a chef - who ran away and changed her name because she has a stalker who wants her to be his wife in CHRIST - he tried to kill her - and that has made her mistrustful of men - especially strangers - in walks the town police officer - they start to warm up to each other - especially when they find out that the stalker has gotten out of jail and is wanting to get to Maggie - so what happens next? you will not believe it if I tell you. You have to see it - read it - for yourself it is amazing.

Fun read with witty banter between the main characters. Enjoyable Christian romance. I loved the bakery. A little too sweet, but the suspenseful elements helped to balance that out.