What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gingerbread Cafe #1
Christmas at the Gingerbread Café
The icing on her Christmas cake!
Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.
But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – even the someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!
Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.
But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – even the someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
December 2, 2013
Christmas at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin is a Carina UK publication released in 2013. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in conjunction with Bewitching Tours.
It's Christmas at the Gingerbread Café and usually a busy time for Lil and her partner CeeCee. However this year it looks like the café is going to have a little competition.
Damon has returned home from New Orleans. He appears to be horning in on Lil's business and Lil has decided she will have done of it. She approaches him and lets him know under no uncertain terms how she feels about him.
But CeeCee sees a possible business venture and maybe even a little romance in the situation. When Lil isn't moping over her ex-husband or fuming at Damon, CeeCee is trying to convince her to forgive Damon and show a little Christmas spirit.
Lil and Damon are both hurt and lonely people whose paths cross in the most unlikely way. Will Lil be able to get over her broken heart and will Damon be able to convince her to give him a chance?
This is a really great Christmas novella! Lil is a likable person and someone we can relate to. Damon is also recovering from some things and is often sad and we just want to give him a big old hug! He is a little mysterious though.
CeeCee however, nearly steals the show. A great friend with a lot of love for her friend, Lil.
If you love Christmas, romance and HEA then you will love this sweet novella.
This one gets an A.!
It's Christmas at the Gingerbread Café and usually a busy time for Lil and her partner CeeCee. However this year it looks like the café is going to have a little competition.
Damon has returned home from New Orleans. He appears to be horning in on Lil's business and Lil has decided she will have done of it. She approaches him and lets him know under no uncertain terms how she feels about him.
But CeeCee sees a possible business venture and maybe even a little romance in the situation. When Lil isn't moping over her ex-husband or fuming at Damon, CeeCee is trying to convince her to forgive Damon and show a little Christmas spirit.
Lil and Damon are both hurt and lonely people whose paths cross in the most unlikely way. Will Lil be able to get over her broken heart and will Damon be able to convince her to give him a chance?
This is a really great Christmas novella! Lil is a likable person and someone we can relate to. Damon is also recovering from some things and is often sad and we just want to give him a big old hug! He is a little mysterious though.
CeeCee however, nearly steals the show. A great friend with a lot of love for her friend, Lil.
If you love Christmas, romance and HEA then you will love this sweet novella.
This one gets an A.!
December 16, 2013
This is a sweet Christmas romance. Sometimes even a zombie loving gal like me likes a HEA story like this, especially with the characters Ms. Raisin baked up. Our main protagonist, Lil still hanging on to a childhood love who left her, despite all of her friend and co-baker in her shop has been trying to do to get her to move on. Damon is from one of the town’s oldest families and moved back to do his hometown to try to get his life back in order.
What started off as a specialty shop showdown on main street ended up cooking up into what possibly could be the towns latest love. The characters are fun, the town is like one I have lived in and anyone who loves Gingerbread as much as I do is always OK in my book!
Christmas, baking and happily ever-afters! I recommend this for a sweet lunchtime read! Oh and make sure you make a cup of lovely gingerbread coffee!
Come to Cabin Goddess' Mama's Kitchen Mondays for the most DELICIOUS Gingerbread recipes from myself and the author! Including the coffee!!
What started off as a specialty shop showdown on main street ended up cooking up into what possibly could be the towns latest love. The characters are fun, the town is like one I have lived in and anyone who loves Gingerbread as much as I do is always OK in my book!
Christmas, baking and happily ever-afters! I recommend this for a sweet lunchtime read! Oh and make sure you make a cup of lovely gingerbread coffee!
Come to Cabin Goddess' Mama's Kitchen Mondays for the most DELICIOUS Gingerbread recipes from myself and the author! Including the coffee!!
April 18, 2018
Walking home from town, I notice it’s gone quiet, sleepy. It’s a nice feeling, the town relaxing in on itself. There’s something incredibly sweet about small towns this time of year.
I’ve had this sudden weird urge recently to watch Christmas-themed romantic comedies on Netflix and once I made my way through all of them I figured why not start on books next! So I ended up grabbing a bunch of different Christmas-themed contemporary romance novels from Amazon and this was one of them!
I didn’t realise at the time that this was such a short story but it worked out perfectly because I usually read for about an hour before I go to sleep every night and this book was the perfect length for me to read the entire thing in one session!
I loved the cozy, small town Christmas feel to the whole story. I’m a big sucker for anything involving snow, roaring fires, and tiny towns with a lot of Christmas spirit where everything is within walking distance and everyone knows each other. This book encompasses all of those aspects and the author does such a good job of describing the people and the town that it makes you want to actually travel to Ashford, Connecticut in the hopes that it’s exactly as the author describes it!
I only had a couple issues with the story, the biggest one being the lightning-fast speed at which Lily and Damon end up falling in love (and sleeping together), but as it was such a short story there wasn’t much time to draw out the romance so it’s something that can’t really be helped in this case.
Other than that though, this was a quick, funny and sugary-sweet little read and I’m gonna be grabbing the rest of the series so that I can read these cute little stories between longer books whenever I get the urge for more gooey, slightly cheesy romance!
“Depends — What else can you do that might please a lady?” The words tumblr from my mouth before I’m able to stop them. I spin on my heel and head to the bathroom before he can respond. As I reach the door, laughter spills from me. I can’t believe I just said that.
July 28, 2021
well..at least these books are short!
but they aren't memorable
I stand by the premise that this author has never been to Connecticut or New England. The dialogue is very Southern to this Yankee's ear.
but they aren't memorable
I stand by the premise that this author has never been to Connecticut or New England. The dialogue is very Southern to this Yankee's ear.
September 29, 2017
A week ago I read The Bookshop on the Corner by Colgan, Jenny, and loved it, while looking for a sequel I found The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisin and decide to read that as well. Then I found out that it was part of a short story town and that the The Bookshop On the Corner was 2.5 in the Gingerbread Cafe series. I picked up this and the sequel both of which I read this after. Both are good solid romances and while I'm not the target audience I was glad to read them both, next I'll start on the one I wanted to read all along, The Bookshop On the Corner!
December 17, 2019
This is the first in what seems to be a delightful contemporary romance series. Set in a small Connecticut town at the beginning of the Christmas season, cafe owner Lil is trying to make a go of her business when a competitor opens a store directly opposite hers. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Lil's assistant, Cee Cee, "a round southern black woman" who is a real hoot. She keeps Lil on her toes and has been a true friend through the ups and downs of Lil's life. This is a second chance at romance story, and I am excited to see how the characters evolve as the story unfolds.
July 7, 2016
2.75 gingerbread stars!
***
Okay now this was the quickest read ever! It was shorter than I expected it to be.
Now for some reason I was REALLY in the mood for something Christmassy and this book
has been on my radar for quite some time now.
It wasn't necessarily bad but it also wasn't great. As it was so short, everything (read: the romance) went way too quickly and was just....unlikely.
It also had little to do with a Christmas in a Gingerbread Café, there was a Gingerbread Café and it was Christmas but that's about it.
I don't know, I feel like it could've had a lot more potential! Could've been made a lot better.
But overall, it still was a pleasant quick read. With the pressure on quick !
***
Okay now this was the quickest read ever! It was shorter than I expected it to be.
Now for some reason I was REALLY in the mood for something Christmassy and this book
has been on my radar for quite some time now.
It wasn't necessarily bad but it also wasn't great. As it was so short, everything (read: the romance) went way too quickly and was just....unlikely.
It also had little to do with a Christmas in a Gingerbread Café, there was a Gingerbread Café and it was Christmas but that's about it.
I don't know, I feel like it could've had a lot more potential! Could've been made a lot better.
But overall, it still was a pleasant quick read. With the pressure on quick !
December 24, 2015
If you love a good Christmas time romance, this is the perfect book for you! The characters, the small town and the Gingerbread café will put you in festive mood.
December 22, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
A short and sweet holiday morsel, Christmas at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin is a fun treat. Well developed characters, a swiftly moving plot and just the right amount of heat kept me turning the pages to see how this romance would work out. Set in a fictional town in Connecticut right before the holidays, this is the perfect choice to read when you don’t have a lot of time.
While the holidays are usually a busy time at The Gingerbread Café, business has been slow this year, giving owner Lil too much time to dwell on the past. Still moping about her divorce, Lil refuses to take her assistant CeeCee’s advice about moving on. At least until she meets Damon, the owner of a new store in town, and suddenly her store’s only competition.
Planning to start over and open a new store, Damon never planned on starting a showdown between his specialty store and the Café across the street. While he’s determined to win, he can’t ignore his growing attraction to the competition. Especially when she offers an olive branch that could end up saving both of their businesses.
The scenes between Lil and Damon are fun, full of emotional angst and just the right amount of romantic heat. Both hurt by relationships in the past, they’ll both have to take a chance on falling in love. While this is a short story, and the pace moves fairly fast, Ms. Raisin does a good job developing their characters and their romance. The secondary characters, made of the townspeople, are well developed and I especially liked CeeCee, Lil’s assistant and want to be adopted mama.
Will Lil take a chance on a new romance and let go of the past? Will Damon share the secrets from his past? You’ll have to read Christmas at the Gingerbread Café to find out. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Raisin’s work.
A short and sweet holiday morsel, Christmas at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin is a fun treat. Well developed characters, a swiftly moving plot and just the right amount of heat kept me turning the pages to see how this romance would work out. Set in a fictional town in Connecticut right before the holidays, this is the perfect choice to read when you don’t have a lot of time.
While the holidays are usually a busy time at The Gingerbread Café, business has been slow this year, giving owner Lil too much time to dwell on the past. Still moping about her divorce, Lil refuses to take her assistant CeeCee’s advice about moving on. At least until she meets Damon, the owner of a new store in town, and suddenly her store’s only competition.
Planning to start over and open a new store, Damon never planned on starting a showdown between his specialty store and the Café across the street. While he’s determined to win, he can’t ignore his growing attraction to the competition. Especially when she offers an olive branch that could end up saving both of their businesses.
The scenes between Lil and Damon are fun, full of emotional angst and just the right amount of romantic heat. Both hurt by relationships in the past, they’ll both have to take a chance on falling in love. While this is a short story, and the pace moves fairly fast, Ms. Raisin does a good job developing their characters and their romance. The secondary characters, made of the townspeople, are well developed and I especially liked CeeCee, Lil’s assistant and want to be adopted mama.
Will Lil take a chance on a new romance and let go of the past? Will Damon share the secrets from his past? You’ll have to read Christmas at the Gingerbread Café to find out. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Raisin’s work.
December 22, 2020
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Firstly thank you to Bewitching Blog tour for letting me take part in this blog tour.
I thought Lil is a great character, she is a little damaged but she just wanted to be loved.
Damon is hot! but he is also sweet, kind, caring. An excellent book boyfriend.
Ceecee was the best mum/friend you could ask for. I absolutely loved her. I could do with some of her cakes.
The Gingerbread house in the window sounded amazing. I would love to see one like it.
This is a fun, flirty, Christmas book perfect for fitting in around all the festivities.
I thought Lil is a great character, she is a little damaged but she just wanted to be loved.
Damon is hot! but he is also sweet, kind, caring. An excellent book boyfriend.
Ceecee was the best mum/friend you could ask for. I absolutely loved her. I could do with some of her cakes.
The Gingerbread house in the window sounded amazing. I would love to see one like it.
This is a fun, flirty, Christmas book perfect for fitting in around all the festivities.
November 30, 2013
My daughter, samstillreading suggested I read this book. When I first started reading I thought this was just another Christmas romance story. However as I progressed I realised that Rebecca Raisin has enthused this story with Christmas cheer. To me the entire story is happy, light, bubbly and very Christmassy. I don't know if this has been done with her choice of words or what, but I love it.
Even though I have never experienced a white Christmas ( only red ones, here in Australia) I could imagine every thing as it was described. I could 'see' Cee Cee baking at the cafe and all the decorations in there.
As a novella the story has to be short but it is still extremely enjoyable. I'm so glad daughter suggested I read it.
Even though I have never experienced a white Christmas ( only red ones, here in Australia) I could imagine every thing as it was described. I could 'see' Cee Cee baking at the cafe and all the decorations in there.
As a novella the story has to be short but it is still extremely enjoyable. I'm so glad daughter suggested I read it.
November 23, 2015
Lily is trying to keep herself busy working at the Gingerbread Cafe. Her cafe is doing pretty well until a new cafe opens across the road and she feels threatened by the owner, who happens to be a very handsome and witty guy.
It was a very sweet Christmassy novella. Even though it was a short and left you wanting more, it still managed to have a good Christmas vibe and all the characters were interesting, so the book didn't feel rushed or flat. I'm happy that there are two more books in the series, I am eager to read more about Lily and Damon.
It was a very sweet Christmassy novella. Even though it was a short and left you wanting more, it still managed to have a good Christmas vibe and all the characters were interesting, so the book didn't feel rushed or flat. I'm happy that there are two more books in the series, I am eager to read more about Lily and Damon.
Read
December 8, 2013A sweet, heartwarming story to get you in the festive spirit (and make you crave all manner of tasty treats)! Rebecca has created a lovely small town setting with interesting, quirky characters. CeeCee was a hoot, and Damon was delicious! An enjoyable way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon & lift your spirits.
December 30, 2015
A sugary-sweet and fun Christmas read!!
December 28, 2021
Didn't realize this ebook was only a novella. It drops off half way through the story and you have to purchase the next one to learn what happens. For this reason, it was a disappointment. Otherwise, it delivers on all the Hallmark Christmas feels.
September 18, 2014
Lily is not looking forward to another Christmas, single and moping about her ex husband Joel. She's even more upset when the new shop owner over the road begins selling the same goods as her and stealing her customers. Two can play at that game and Lily is ready to steal her customers back, just as soon as she stops staring at his butt.
Rebecca Raisin's books are like old friends, good food and cuddles in front of the fire, all wrapped up in cute as pie romance. I first met the folk of Ashford in The Bookshop on the Corner, the novella in which I discovered my ultimate book soul-sister in the heroine Sarah.
I didn't relate to Lily as much as I did Sarah, but only because I can't bake. Putting aside my failure as a domestic goddess, Lily is as lovable as all of Rebecca Raisin's characters. It was really fun to reconnect with my old Ashford friends, and to get to know Lily a little better. She's a sweetie. A bit of a lost lamb, still struggling to put her life together after her marriage fell apart. The kind of heroine I want to give a huge hug (before asking if I can have some of the cake she's baking). But she's fiery too, and not willing to let her business, or her pear cheesecake, suffer at the hands of a new comer, no matter how sexy he might be.
Damon is so cheeky. Up to no good, but with the best intentions.... mostly. He's that naughty boy, who's also terribly sexy, with a charming smile letting him get away with anything. I loved his little game with Lily as they fought over customers and flirted with each other.
This is a short and sweet, small town romance - the sex is closed-door, but there is definite chemistry between Lily and Damon. It's also got Rebecca Raisin's fabulous sense of humor, often courtesy of Lily's friend CeeCee, who is probably my favorite character in the book.
Christmas at the Gingerbread Café is Book One in the Gingerbread Café series, though it can be read as a standalone, and has a HFN ending, that made me all ooey gooey happy like the insides of a cream bun... or a jam doughnut....
Ahem... yeah...
My only regret in reading this book is that I didn't have appropriate sustenance on hand to get me through. Like all the best cake lit, Christmas at the Gingerbread Café should be read with cake at hand! As it was, I gorged myself on a family sized block of chocolate, while fantasizing about cakes, tarts, and, of course, gingerbread.
---
More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
Rebecca Raisin's books are like old friends, good food and cuddles in front of the fire, all wrapped up in cute as pie romance. I first met the folk of Ashford in The Bookshop on the Corner, the novella in which I discovered my ultimate book soul-sister in the heroine Sarah.
I didn't relate to Lily as much as I did Sarah, but only because I can't bake. Putting aside my failure as a domestic goddess, Lily is as lovable as all of Rebecca Raisin's characters. It was really fun to reconnect with my old Ashford friends, and to get to know Lily a little better. She's a sweetie. A bit of a lost lamb, still struggling to put her life together after her marriage fell apart. The kind of heroine I want to give a huge hug (before asking if I can have some of the cake she's baking). But she's fiery too, and not willing to let her business, or her pear cheesecake, suffer at the hands of a new comer, no matter how sexy he might be.
Damon is so cheeky. Up to no good, but with the best intentions.... mostly. He's that naughty boy, who's also terribly sexy, with a charming smile letting him get away with anything. I loved his little game with Lily as they fought over customers and flirted with each other.
This is a short and sweet, small town romance - the sex is closed-door, but there is definite chemistry between Lily and Damon. It's also got Rebecca Raisin's fabulous sense of humor, often courtesy of Lily's friend CeeCee, who is probably my favorite character in the book.
Christmas at the Gingerbread Café is Book One in the Gingerbread Café series, though it can be read as a standalone, and has a HFN ending, that made me all ooey gooey happy like the insides of a cream bun... or a jam doughnut....
Ahem... yeah...
My only regret in reading this book is that I didn't have appropriate sustenance on hand to get me through. Like all the best cake lit, Christmas at the Gingerbread Café should be read with cake at hand! As it was, I gorged myself on a family sized block of chocolate, while fantasizing about cakes, tarts, and, of course, gingerbread.
---
More reviews at: http://www.readingromance.com
November 12, 2013
*ARC Provided by the NetGalley
Lily is in her late twenties and the owner of the local Gingerbread cafe in Ashford, Connecticut. The cafe is her everything and has been very successful in town…Until he comes along. Damon Guthrie opens up his new small good store across the street from Lily and didn’t imagine the cold welcome he’d receive from his feisty competitor. From the moment this gorgeous, brown eyed, sandy blond man walks across the street and exudes nothing but charm, Lily is determined to knock that sexy grin right off of his face and take her customers back. What starts off as a bit of healthy competition between rivalling businesses morphs into a sweet and endearing bond that forms between two very lonely individuals. Two individuals who have had their hearts broken.
While Christmas At the Gingerbread Cafe is Novella , the author provides the perfect amount of detail within the story to allow you to connect to the characters and get a good grasp on the setting, all amidst a stunning white Christmas backdrop. I adored Lily, she is an incredibly feisty and determined heroine. There are moments however, within the story that her resolve crumbles and her fears of being alone and remaining unloved pervade her mind. Lily is left pondering and yearning for love after her ex-husband breaks her heart, but she is content with the notion that she will spend yet another year alone. I loved that the author was able to highlight some very realistic vulnerabilities within her as well as highlighting her strengths.
While the story is written from Lily’s perspective, you cannot help but fall in love with Damon. His cocky charms contrast perfectly to the sensitive and compassionate side he displays while competing for business with Lily. He is also quite swoon worthy at times and the chemistry between the two is beautifully written and develops slowly.
This is a short and incredibly sweet Novella that explores a very endearing and unexpected romance. It is definitely one that will make you laugh and warm your heart, and one that can be happily devoured in one sitting.
4.5 Shiny Stars
FULL REVIEW: http://louisasreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Lily is in her late twenties and the owner of the local Gingerbread cafe in Ashford, Connecticut. The cafe is her everything and has been very successful in town…Until he comes along. Damon Guthrie opens up his new small good store across the street from Lily and didn’t imagine the cold welcome he’d receive from his feisty competitor. From the moment this gorgeous, brown eyed, sandy blond man walks across the street and exudes nothing but charm, Lily is determined to knock that sexy grin right off of his face and take her customers back. What starts off as a bit of healthy competition between rivalling businesses morphs into a sweet and endearing bond that forms between two very lonely individuals. Two individuals who have had their hearts broken.
While Christmas At the Gingerbread Cafe is Novella , the author provides the perfect amount of detail within the story to allow you to connect to the characters and get a good grasp on the setting, all amidst a stunning white Christmas backdrop. I adored Lily, she is an incredibly feisty and determined heroine. There are moments however, within the story that her resolve crumbles and her fears of being alone and remaining unloved pervade her mind. Lily is left pondering and yearning for love after her ex-husband breaks her heart, but she is content with the notion that she will spend yet another year alone. I loved that the author was able to highlight some very realistic vulnerabilities within her as well as highlighting her strengths.
While the story is written from Lily’s perspective, you cannot help but fall in love with Damon. His cocky charms contrast perfectly to the sensitive and compassionate side he displays while competing for business with Lily. He is also quite swoon worthy at times and the chemistry between the two is beautifully written and develops slowly.
This is a short and incredibly sweet Novella that explores a very endearing and unexpected romance. It is definitely one that will make you laugh and warm your heart, and one that can be happily devoured in one sitting.
4.5 Shiny Stars
FULL REVIEW: http://louisasreviews.wordpress.com/2...
January 21, 2014
Title: Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: 12th November 2013
Blurb
Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.
But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – even the someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!
Verdict
This book was fantastic! I loved the cover of it to begin with, I got a very good Christmas feeling when I read this, It was a short story and I would of loved for the story to be longer as I was enjoying the characters alot.
We meet Lily who is owner of the Gingerbread Cafe and is spending Christmas being single once again and very lonely but is keeping herself busy baking lots of little goodies for all her customers when a new shop across the road opens..In walks Damon.. the very handsome new owner of the shop who is selling baked goods which boils Lily's blood and she will do anything to keep her cafe in business and not let the smug and handsome Damon win.
This was just a fantastic read, You easily warm to the characters Lily and Ceecee, you feel Lily's pain when the new shop opens across the road as she loves her Cafe and will not let that smug man take all her customers away..so she starts a little competition in the end..but who wins. Either way Love can blossom for anyone at Christmas.
I do hope that Rebecca will maybe write a sequel to this book as I feel there was definitely more to these characters and that you would want to know what happened to Lily and Damon in the future.
A very warm and Christmas 5 star feeling with this book. You will want to curl up on sofa with a good cup of coco :)
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: 12th November 2013
Blurb
Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.
But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – even the someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!
Verdict
This book was fantastic! I loved the cover of it to begin with, I got a very good Christmas feeling when I read this, It was a short story and I would of loved for the story to be longer as I was enjoying the characters alot.
We meet Lily who is owner of the Gingerbread Cafe and is spending Christmas being single once again and very lonely but is keeping herself busy baking lots of little goodies for all her customers when a new shop across the road opens..In walks Damon.. the very handsome new owner of the shop who is selling baked goods which boils Lily's blood and she will do anything to keep her cafe in business and not let the smug and handsome Damon win.
This was just a fantastic read, You easily warm to the characters Lily and Ceecee, you feel Lily's pain when the new shop opens across the road as she loves her Cafe and will not let that smug man take all her customers away..so she starts a little competition in the end..but who wins. Either way Love can blossom for anyone at Christmas.
I do hope that Rebecca will maybe write a sequel to this book as I feel there was definitely more to these characters and that you would want to know what happened to Lily and Damon in the future.
A very warm and Christmas 5 star feeling with this book. You will want to curl up on sofa with a good cup of coco :)
October 15, 2014
Having wanted to read this book for ages, the opportunity presented itself to me when Rebecca sent me all three books to read which I promised to review for her. So this is the first of the three in the series.
Lil owns a sweet little shop called Gingerbread Café, whom she runs with her best friend and widow, CeeCee who is just the funniest, most upfront woman I've ever read. She's so relatable and instantly made me think of my best friends Mum and Nan with her honest and protective yet humorous influence on Lil.
It's coming up to Christmas so the whole town is preparing for the festivities, with Lil and CeeCee baking delightful and mouth-watering scrumptious food. I don't know how I didn't devour a whole box of chocolates whilst reading this! The shop over the road from Lil's is recently been taken over by a guy named Damon... he's from a rich family who've lived in the town forever... but Lil doesn't have any idea who he is. Both CeeCee and Lil assume he's selling small gifts.... but when they find out that he's competition, Lil heads over to give him what for!
CeeCee thinks it's time Lil moves on from her ex, Joel and sees sparks between Damon and Lil... but Lil thinks she's out of her mind. With the town not being the big enough for the both of them, how will Lil cope when Damon starts taking her customers, and with them, her profits? She can't let the Gingerbread Café run to ruin, yet she's hardly a match for wealthy Damon is she? How will she be able to match his shop interior? They couldn't exactly join forces could they, so that no one loses out? Could they?
Lil does what she does best, and cooks her heart out, which seems to soften it and before she knows it, she's over at Damon's shop handing him her delicious treats, but is that all he gets of her?
At one point, when I was reading about CeeCee I laughed so uncontrollably, that I had my mother looking at me like I was high on something.... I absolutely loved this little treat of a book, short and a sweet introduction to the beautiful masterpieces of Rebecca Raisin. With two more follow up books to continue to tempt your tastebuds, I can't recommend this ebook enough as a short festive read with likeable, realistic characters whom warm your heart.
Lil owns a sweet little shop called Gingerbread Café, whom she runs with her best friend and widow, CeeCee who is just the funniest, most upfront woman I've ever read. She's so relatable and instantly made me think of my best friends Mum and Nan with her honest and protective yet humorous influence on Lil.
It's coming up to Christmas so the whole town is preparing for the festivities, with Lil and CeeCee baking delightful and mouth-watering scrumptious food. I don't know how I didn't devour a whole box of chocolates whilst reading this! The shop over the road from Lil's is recently been taken over by a guy named Damon... he's from a rich family who've lived in the town forever... but Lil doesn't have any idea who he is. Both CeeCee and Lil assume he's selling small gifts.... but when they find out that he's competition, Lil heads over to give him what for!
CeeCee thinks it's time Lil moves on from her ex, Joel and sees sparks between Damon and Lil... but Lil thinks she's out of her mind. With the town not being the big enough for the both of them, how will Lil cope when Damon starts taking her customers, and with them, her profits? She can't let the Gingerbread Café run to ruin, yet she's hardly a match for wealthy Damon is she? How will she be able to match his shop interior? They couldn't exactly join forces could they, so that no one loses out? Could they?
Lil does what she does best, and cooks her heart out, which seems to soften it and before she knows it, she's over at Damon's shop handing him her delicious treats, but is that all he gets of her?
At one point, when I was reading about CeeCee I laughed so uncontrollably, that I had my mother looking at me like I was high on something.... I absolutely loved this little treat of a book, short and a sweet introduction to the beautiful masterpieces of Rebecca Raisin. With two more follow up books to continue to tempt your tastebuds, I can't recommend this ebook enough as a short festive read with likeable, realistic characters whom warm your heart.
December 27, 2013
Title: Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Published: Carina Press
Age Recommended: New Adult- Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5
Review:
"Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe" by Rebecca Raisin was a sweet Christmas romance story. We find Lil and CeeCee are owners of 'The Gingerbread Cafe in Ashford, Connecticut and that they are going to have a little competition from the newcomer Damon who has returned home from New Orleans has just opened up his business across the street. I found this short read funny and as a matter of fact I was laughing out loud quite as bit from this read. When Lil approaches Damon what will happen? Why was CeeCee pressuring Lil to even go over Damon's business? What had happened to Lil's ex? Why was the ex's even still in the picture? Was Lil still hanging on that the ex might come back to her? Would Damon be able to show Lil that he was the one for her? Will there be problems that both Lil and Damon will have to figure out? All of these questions and much more will be answered by you reading "Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe." I don't want to give too much away, so I will say you must pick up this good read to see for yourself.
I found all of the characters from this small town all well developed, lovable and colorful especially Ms. CeeCee. I loved how this author brought out CeeCee's sassiness that gives the reader a lots of humorous moments. The descriptions of the food were very mouth watering, swelling so good in that café. All of this was simple off the chart very well done making it seem that you are there in the mix of it all.
This is a sweet beautiful novella that will put 'in the mood' for Christmas and I would definitely recommend "Christmas at the Gingerbread Café" as a good read.
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Published: Carina Press
Age Recommended: New Adult- Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5
Review:
"Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe" by Rebecca Raisin was a sweet Christmas romance story. We find Lil and CeeCee are owners of 'The Gingerbread Cafe in Ashford, Connecticut and that they are going to have a little competition from the newcomer Damon who has returned home from New Orleans has just opened up his business across the street. I found this short read funny and as a matter of fact I was laughing out loud quite as bit from this read. When Lil approaches Damon what will happen? Why was CeeCee pressuring Lil to even go over Damon's business? What had happened to Lil's ex? Why was the ex's even still in the picture? Was Lil still hanging on that the ex might come back to her? Would Damon be able to show Lil that he was the one for her? Will there be problems that both Lil and Damon will have to figure out? All of these questions and much more will be answered by you reading "Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe." I don't want to give too much away, so I will say you must pick up this good read to see for yourself.
I found all of the characters from this small town all well developed, lovable and colorful especially Ms. CeeCee. I loved how this author brought out CeeCee's sassiness that gives the reader a lots of humorous moments. The descriptions of the food were very mouth watering, swelling so good in that café. All of this was simple off the chart very well done making it seem that you are there in the mix of it all.
This is a sweet beautiful novella that will put 'in the mood' for Christmas and I would definitely recommend "Christmas at the Gingerbread Café" as a good read.
December 13, 2013
Right off the bat we are showered with the Christmas spirit the Gingerbread café exudes and instantly fall in love with the shops owner Lily and her co worker CeeCee. The two women are greatly anticipating the holiday season and are greatly looking forward to selling out on their holiday treats and home bakes goodies. They are feeling good till they look out their window and see that an attractive man from out of town has decided to open up shop right across from them and practically selling the same stuff! Lily ,Lil, is not about to let him steal all her customers so she wages a little battle towards the new comer. Will she win our will the Christmas Season get the best of her?
Lil is a sweet and caring women who has had her heart broken and is left with a floundering shop. She takes the new guy across the street as a threat and her Christmas spirit slides a bit in some friendly competition. She now has lots to think about… her ex husband, her love life, and now her business.
CeeCee is a delight to read. I think every girl should have a mother figure (that is not her real mother) like her! She tells you exactly what she is thinking and never sugar coats the truth. She also thinks that the new guy across the street is just what Lil needs to get out of her funk!
The new guy, Damon, is God awful gorgeous and has all the ladies in town buzzing with curiosity. He has a good heart but has troubles of his own that he needs to work through.
The entire book is beautifully told…. Get swept away in the enchanting and cozy feel of the Gingerbread Café and enjoy the picturesque holiday scene that Rebecca has painted for us!
I only wish it was longer and I will defiantly be grabbing more of her books soon! :)
January 28, 2015
Review on my blog http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
Christmas at the Gingerbread Café was a stunning read. Rebecca Raisin packed so much charm into her writing that it was impossible for me to not fall in love with this story. A gorgeous setting and vibrant characters packed with personality completely transfixed me and left me really looking forward to reading more of this series.
Lily, fed up at the thought of spending Christmas alone, throws herself into her work at the Gingerbread Cafe. But as a new shop opens across the road, she begins to feel threatened by Damon and his business. I LOVED the Gingerbread Café. Rebecca’s description of the place was sublime and if you don’t get some serious cravings reading it, I’d be amazed. Plus if you don’t find yourself wanting to hibernate there, you could always just dream about Damon like I totally did. I loved him too…
We were spoilt for instantly-likeable characters in this novella. Lily and her employee CeeCee were really warm and entertaining and I loved their relationship. CeeCee was a brilliant character – she always told things straight and her spirit was so uplifting.
I adore books where you can just picture and transport yourself into the setting and Christmas at the Gingerbread Café would be my ideal place to be. It has a great positive feel to it and I loved all the characters and all the descriptions of the food and drink just sounded heavenly! This was a really sweet, beautiful story.
5/5.
December 31, 2015
What a delightful short story this is! Just what I needed - a feel good, romantic, Christmas story.
The author has written something reminiscent of the film "You've Got Mail". A shop, The Gingerbread Cafe, has been in a small town for years, and has been an extremely successful business. Then someone else comes in and opens up something similar right across the road (as opposed to 'just around the corner' in the film.)
This starts a battle between the 2 proprietors to gain business from the townsfolk.
Who will win? Will it be the reliable young woman, Lily, who has been a constant in the lives of her customers for years? Or will it be the young interloper, Damon, who triumphs due to his good looks and apparently irresistible charm?
The author has written a lovely novella, with just the right tone and information, to make this a great story.
The character of CeeCee, Lily's partner in crime in the cafe, is a great one! She is such a sassy woman.
My only gripe is that the story wasn't longer! I would love to know more about Lily and the cafe, CeeCee and her family, and the heartache Lily went through a few years before. Perhaps a prequel in the making? Hint hint Ms Raisin?
All in all a great short read which left me with a huge smile on my face when I finished it.
The author has written something reminiscent of the film "You've Got Mail". A shop, The Gingerbread Cafe, has been in a small town for years, and has been an extremely successful business. Then someone else comes in and opens up something similar right across the road (as opposed to 'just around the corner' in the film.)
This starts a battle between the 2 proprietors to gain business from the townsfolk.
Who will win? Will it be the reliable young woman, Lily, who has been a constant in the lives of her customers for years? Or will it be the young interloper, Damon, who triumphs due to his good looks and apparently irresistible charm?
The author has written a lovely novella, with just the right tone and information, to make this a great story.
The character of CeeCee, Lily's partner in crime in the cafe, is a great one! She is such a sassy woman.
My only gripe is that the story wasn't longer! I would love to know more about Lily and the cafe, CeeCee and her family, and the heartache Lily went through a few years before. Perhaps a prequel in the making? Hint hint Ms Raisin?
All in all a great short read which left me with a huge smile on my face when I finished it.
July 29, 2016
I don’t usually read novellas. I like to get my teeth into lengthy novels of 80k+ and really invest myself in the characters. When the opportunity came up to read Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe though, I couldn’t resist. I was in the mood for some romantic pre-Christmas reading and this novella definitely ticks that box.
Lily is immediately likeable. She’s just the right balance of feisty and funny. When Damon arrives in town and sets up shop opposite, Lily’s determination to fight for her business is strong. So strong, in fact, that a number of very amusing scenes follow as she takes on Damon in a humourous version of what could almost be described as Small Town Retailer Survivor.
Damon is nothing short of delicious. A sense of humour, a hard working attitude and a sensitivity belied by a past that he keeps quiet about, much to Lily’s frustration.
It was an absolute pleasure reading about Lily and Damon, and watching them fall in love with one another. There’s a great support cast in Lily’s friend and co-worker. The plot kept you wanting to read more and the questions around Damon’s past are cleverly interwoven providing just the right amount of mystery and conflict.
Overall, a very enjoyable read. And you never know, I might become a convert of novellas if this is the standard I can expect.
*I was given a copy of this novella in return for a fair review.
Lily is immediately likeable. She’s just the right balance of feisty and funny. When Damon arrives in town and sets up shop opposite, Lily’s determination to fight for her business is strong. So strong, in fact, that a number of very amusing scenes follow as she takes on Damon in a humourous version of what could almost be described as Small Town Retailer Survivor.
Damon is nothing short of delicious. A sense of humour, a hard working attitude and a sensitivity belied by a past that he keeps quiet about, much to Lily’s frustration.
It was an absolute pleasure reading about Lily and Damon, and watching them fall in love with one another. There’s a great support cast in Lily’s friend and co-worker. The plot kept you wanting to read more and the questions around Damon’s past are cleverly interwoven providing just the right amount of mystery and conflict.
Overall, a very enjoyable read. And you never know, I might become a convert of novellas if this is the standard I can expect.
*I was given a copy of this novella in return for a fair review.
November 21, 2013
The Gingerbread Café is a special place, especially at Christmas. At the heart of the community the café is a delightful haven, warm and welcoming with owner Lily and employee CeeCee full of the Christmas spirit. Lily is recovering from the breakdown of her marriage and CeeCee is determined to matchmake. When handsome, mysterious Damon opens up a shop across the road, CeeCee encourages Lily to make a move for him, but before long it becomes apparent that Damon's business is in direct competition with the Gingerbread Café...
The relationship between Lily and CeeCee is one of the key features of Christmas at the Gingerbread Café, and their friendship is heart-warming and reassuring. CeeCee is like a mother hen, desperate for Lily to find love and she was my favourite character, coming across as larger than life. The combination of her and feisty Lily is fabulous!
I also loved how the café was portrayed as a cosy, snug place, somewhere full of warmth and festive shimmer. I wish that I had a café like this near me-I'd certainly be a regular customer.
Christmas at the Gingerbread Café is a lovely, cheery festive read, a good old fashioned feel-good romance to warm the cockles of your heart. This is one of my favourite Christmas reads of the year.
The relationship between Lily and CeeCee is one of the key features of Christmas at the Gingerbread Café, and their friendship is heart-warming and reassuring. CeeCee is like a mother hen, desperate for Lily to find love and she was my favourite character, coming across as larger than life. The combination of her and feisty Lily is fabulous!
I also loved how the café was portrayed as a cosy, snug place, somewhere full of warmth and festive shimmer. I wish that I had a café like this near me-I'd certainly be a regular customer.
Christmas at the Gingerbread Café is a lovely, cheery festive read, a good old fashioned feel-good romance to warm the cockles of your heart. This is one of my favourite Christmas reads of the year.
November 20, 2013
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I want a Gingerbread House...I also want Damon! He can teach me to cook ANYTIME ;-)
A perfect, cookie of a Novella, but oh i wish it was more...maybe it could be, will be..hint hint!
Although set at Christmas, it isn't over tinselled.....i could read this anytime, but it did give you that warm glow of ahhhh.
When the new shop owner across the street starts selling some of the same products, stealing customers from Lil, Cee Cee, her wonderful employee ( who i ADORE, as she had me in stitches) go to war!
But who can compete with a hot, good looking man offering his goods? Especially when there is a steady stream of their customers plumping up their Sunday best bosoms queuing out his door!!! Lol...
Can Cee Cee see some twinkling in the lights? Something Hot brewing? There isn't any sex in this, there is chemistry!! you can fill in the blanks yourself ( i did he he he)
Really enjoyed this, had me a little teary eyed at one point too! Could read more from these characters.......
I want a Gingerbread House...I also want Damon! He can teach me to cook ANYTIME ;-)
A perfect, cookie of a Novella, but oh i wish it was more...maybe it could be, will be..hint hint!
Although set at Christmas, it isn't over tinselled.....i could read this anytime, but it did give you that warm glow of ahhhh.
When the new shop owner across the street starts selling some of the same products, stealing customers from Lil, Cee Cee, her wonderful employee ( who i ADORE, as she had me in stitches) go to war!
But who can compete with a hot, good looking man offering his goods? Especially when there is a steady stream of their customers plumping up their Sunday best bosoms queuing out his door!!! Lol...
Can Cee Cee see some twinkling in the lights? Something Hot brewing? There isn't any sex in this, there is chemistry!! you can fill in the blanks yourself ( i did he he he)
Really enjoyed this, had me a little teary eyed at one point too! Could read more from these characters.......
December 8, 2014
What a lovely, cute and wonderful novella, with a drop dead gorgeous cover.
Lily is a great and relatable character with a big heart. She is still pining over her past and what she had there.
Oh and Damon! Well, BOOK BOYFRIEND ALARM!!! He’s hot, sweet, caring, kind…
There off on a rocky start, as Damon and his café are becoming a competition for the Gingerbread Café. Their attraction for each other is obvious from the start and loved how Lily wanted to stay away from him. They get closer anyway and Lily discovers that something is bothering him, but what?
When Lily finds out, she has a great way to deal with it.
It’s great how their relationship develops and they get closer and closer and everything around this lovely small town atmosphere around Christmas. Perfect!!!
CeeCee is such an adorable friend/mum to Lily and I loved them together.
Such a sweet, flirty and fun story, with lots of emotion and heart. ♥♥♥
It’s the perfect festive read, it transfers warmth, love and friendship.
The whole series is wonderful, you're in for a treat with each one of them!
Lily is a great and relatable character with a big heart. She is still pining over her past and what she had there.
Oh and Damon! Well, BOOK BOYFRIEND ALARM!!! He’s hot, sweet, caring, kind…
There off on a rocky start, as Damon and his café are becoming a competition for the Gingerbread Café. Their attraction for each other is obvious from the start and loved how Lily wanted to stay away from him. They get closer anyway and Lily discovers that something is bothering him, but what?
When Lily finds out, she has a great way to deal with it.
It’s great how their relationship develops and they get closer and closer and everything around this lovely small town atmosphere around Christmas. Perfect!!!
CeeCee is such an adorable friend/mum to Lily and I loved them together.
Such a sweet, flirty and fun story, with lots of emotion and heart. ♥♥♥
It’s the perfect festive read, it transfers warmth, love and friendship.
The whole series is wonderful, you're in for a treat with each one of them!
January 3, 2014
Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin is the cutest small-town, christmas spirit, warm and fuzzy holiday short story I've ever read!
Lily tries to go head to head in a competition against the HOT new shop-owner across teh street. It's Christmas time and Home-baked goods is not the most lucrative business venture but it's what she loves. But now Damon is infringing on her already small customer base.
Damon just wants to get along with everyone, including the feisty beauty across the street. Can they join forces and together make this a better Christmas than they could apart.
A very quick, heart-warming tale. Perfect for the holiday season.
Lily tries to go head to head in a competition against the HOT new shop-owner across teh street. It's Christmas time and Home-baked goods is not the most lucrative business venture but it's what she loves. But now Damon is infringing on her already small customer base.
Damon just wants to get along with everyone, including the feisty beauty across the street. Can they join forces and together make this a better Christmas than they could apart.
A very quick, heart-warming tale. Perfect for the holiday season.
December 8, 2018
Received review copy from NetGalley!
Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe begins when there is a new shop in town competing with the Gingerbread Cafe. Now Lily hasn't yet gotten over her ex husband but she's bound and determined not to let her last pride and enjoy go under because there is a new man in town who wants to still her business. So let the competition begin, Derek and Lily are going to go all out to make their stores have the most customers. But soon Lily realizes that she's not a mean person, and trying to steal someone's business isn't all that great. Especially when she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. Maybe these two will have a little bit of a Christmas miracle and find love together...
This was a very cute short story! I adored it. It has lots of fun dialogue, and very awesome characters. Plus this book just screams a beautiful Christmas! I really enjoyed it! and I recommend it for all of the Christmas lovers out there.
Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe begins when there is a new shop in town competing with the Gingerbread Cafe. Now Lily hasn't yet gotten over her ex husband but she's bound and determined not to let her last pride and enjoy go under because there is a new man in town who wants to still her business. So let the competition begin, Derek and Lily are going to go all out to make their stores have the most customers. But soon Lily realizes that she's not a mean person, and trying to steal someone's business isn't all that great. Especially when she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. Maybe these two will have a little bit of a Christmas miracle and find love together...
This was a very cute short story! I adored it. It has lots of fun dialogue, and very awesome characters. Plus this book just screams a beautiful Christmas! I really enjoyed it! and I recommend it for all of the Christmas lovers out there.
November 17, 2013
I was asked by the author if I would be interested in reviewing Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe. Yes please!! I love a Christmas book, particularly as this weekend I've done my first lot of Christmas shopping. I read half of the book before I went and half when I came back. It really was a welcome slice of Christmas - that just hit the spot. As with all good short stories the author gave you just enough - leaving me satisfied but wanting a little bit more. Her descriptions were so vivid I felt I knew the characters, particularly CeeCee and I could almost taste the cake and Gingerbread coffee - mmmm. I can't wait for more from Rebecca and recommend this short story for anyone wanting to get in the mood for Christmas - heartwarming and yummy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews