REVIEW: Cupcakes for Christmas by Kate Hewitt

In Cupcakes for Christmas (Return to Willoughby Close #1) by Kate Hewitt, Olivia James likes her life. She doesn’t need a man to make it complete. However, as she watches her friends find their happily-ever-afters while she’s sitting at home alone for Christmas, she begins to wonder what having a man in her life would be like. When she meets the mysterious Simon Blacklock, she decides to give him a chance. But just as things are starting to go right for the pair, Olivia discovers Simon is hiding a secret. Will she be able to get him to open up about what he’s hiding or will she walk from her chance at happy ever after before she gets hurt?

He’s…interesting,” she said at last. This was met with a chorus of enthusiastic oohs.
“And he must be interested in you,” Ellie said excitedly, “to buy a cupcake every single day.”
“It’s just because I’m running this promotion —”
“What man buys a cupcake three days running?” Harriet demanded.
“I don’t think he eats them himself,” Olivia interjected. “He said as much, really.”
“Then who does he give them to?”

What an interesting, moderately-paced, heartfelt read Ms. Hewitt delivers in this book, which encompasses a hero dealing with depression; a heroine who begins to realize that finding her Mr. Right can be a good thing; and a wonderful combination of intense moments due to the main characters back stories and sweet moments that had me loving this couple’s growing relationship. The way this story started had me liking the heroine immediately, as she’s doing her best to keep her store afloat and her ideas are good. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really comes alive, as it’s palpable the hero needs someone like Olivia in his life. Someone to bring him joy, especially once I continued reading and discovered more about his back story.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories because Simon wasn’t the only one to have a secret. Olivia had her own. However, the dialogue wasn’t all intense. There were certainly some heart-warming moments between the hero and heroine that had me smiling, as they get to know each other. Moreover, I really liked the close friendships the heroine shares with some of the secondary characters and I enjoyed the advice they offered her when it comes to Simon. I also liked her resilience and courage when it comes to what she’s dealing with throughout this story with her mom because times are going to get tough for her. Will she be able to handle what the future holds? While the hero, he’s been through so much and I couldn’t help but sympathize with all that he’s been through. He holds such guilt over what happened to his brother and it’s understandable why some days are better than others. I also enjoyed the close relationship he has with his sister and what she’s willing to do to help him through the tough times. Certainly, she has to make tough decisions that he mightn’t like, but every little bit helps.

”So you’re not an introvert?” Olivia teased.
“Oh, I am, undoubtedly, too much so. I need people to bring me out of myself.”
“Hmm.” She took a sip of wine, mulling that over. “I wouldn’t have thought you were an introvert. You seem so…sociable, I suppose. Friendly and interested in everything.”
“I try to be. Life is short. I want to enjoy as much of it as I can.” A bleak note had entered his voice, making Olivia wonder.
“That’s true enough,” she said after a moment. “And a good motto to live by.”

Overall, Ms. Hewitt has delivered a wonderful and heartfelt read that tugged at my heartstrings at the end with what’s revealed when it comes to both the hero and heroine’s secrets; and where the chemistry was intense; the romance was sweet and had me liking the growing relationship between these two; and the ending left me completely satisfied, despite everything that comes to light that made me want to cry for the characters. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as these two being together was meant to be. I would recommend Cupcakes for Christmas by Kate Hewitt, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, small town romances or books by authors Eirka Marks, Trish Milburn, Shelli Stevens and Lynne Marshall.

Book Info:

Publication: October 25th, 2018 | Tule Publishing | Return to Willoughby Close #1

Always the baker, never the bride…

Olivia James has always been happy running a tea shop and bakery in the Cotswold village of Wychwood-on-Lea, and helping her friends find their happily-ever-afters, topped by the perfect wedding cake. But as Christmas approaches, Olivia is home alone and questioning her choices while eating too many of her own specialty confections.

When Simon Blacklock, a handsome, whimsical stranger, breezes into her shop and buys a cupcake and then returns the next day and the day after, Olivia begins to dream. Can romance blossom amidst the sugar and flour? And after a lifetime of living on the side lines, is she brave enough to star in her own story?

Simon may be hiding a painful secret, but Olivia harbors secrets of her own. If they can dare to risk their hearts, this Christmas might be the most magical yet!