Description
Credentials were the one essential element missing from Chelsi Burnett's career path, or so she thought. Baking is an experience Chelsi Burnett, 49, enjoys daily at work and home. Since childhood, it's been her life-long dream to attend the world-renowned pastry school in Paris, be awarded their infamous Pâtisserie Diploma, and finally be considered a professional baker.
Jake Hollister, a 50-year-old EMT and part-time family tow truck driver, returns to his hometown in Kringle, Vermont, to move he and his daughter into a cottage behind his parents' B&B. Not interested in the advances of the local women, Jake focuses on protecting his daughter and giving her the best Christmas since the death of his wife.
When Chelsi discovers an advance copy of a cookbook penned by her fiancé, who also happens to be her catering manager, she alludes to recipe plagiarism. The ingredients, directions, and photos are her late aunt's recipes and Chelsi's legacy. She takes her life in a new direction back to her roots: Kringle, Vermont. Upon her arrival, she submits an application to Le Cordon Bleu, Paris.
A short distance from Kringle, a massive tree limb falls onto Vermont's treacherous back road. Unable to avoid the obstruction, Chelsi skids head-on into the hundred-year-old maple tree. Chelsi is devastated at the steaming, destroyed front end of her Jeep and overwhelmed by her mangled, unwearable eyeglasses. She has no fiancé, job, or car. And now, no glasses! Near the accident, she encounters a quirky British couple who take her under their proverbial wing. The couple are Vision Ambassadors on their first assignment. It's their job to create eyeglasses for Chelsi, who has lost the direction in her life and is in dire need of an intervention by two creative, mischievous, heavenly guides.
Meanwhile, a call comes in asking Jake to pick up a stranded motorist: a damsel in distress. When he comes face to face with the stranded motorist, he's shocked to come face-to-face with Chelsi Burnett, his childhood best friend.
As secrets and opportunities unfold, questions fill Chelsi and Jake's hearts. What secrets will Chelsi uncover from her deceased father's possessions? Will she leave Kringle and Jake for Paris? Will Jake forgive himself for opening his and his daughter's heart again?
Readers who enjoy baking, small-town romance, quirky angels, and characters over forty will enjoy Chelsi and Jake's recipe for love.