Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman
This is a beautiful fall anthology with the talented works of Donna Kauffman, Allyson Charles, and Kate Angell. The first story is Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman. In the magical town of Moonbright, Maine, Abriana aka. Bree, and her grandmother, Sofia own Bellaluna's Bakeshop. There is more than just sweets being made in this bakery. Handed down through the generations is a dose of magic that gives love a helping hand. Bree is sorely disappointed because she has not had the magical occurrence happen to her, as of yet. Being assured by her loving grandmother, Sofia that all happens in its own time, Bree feels certain her time has come when Caleb walks into the bakery. Caleb and Bree notice the sparks from the beginning. Caleb has come to Moonbright to run his Aunt and Uncles restaurant while they are away on the "honeymoon" they never had. Unfortunately, there is something more going on because the restaurant has not been open for business. With the help of Bree, Caleb starts looking for answers. Will the magical power of love withstand whatever comes their way? This is a beautiful story with a mix of magic, laughter, and a touch of sadness. Author Donna Kauffman has continued to weave her own magic with her wonderful writing!

Loves Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles
Cassandra Hie, Aka. Cassie wants to go out with her boss, Samuel, who strictly goes by the rules. Stopping in at Bellaluna's Bakery, Sofia questions Cassie about the man she is attracted to. Finding this somewhat strange, Cassie tells Sofia about Samuel's qualities. Sofia gives Cassie two of their "magical cookie's" to help love along. Unfortunately it isn't Samuel who eats the cookie but a customer to buy life insurance. Chip Gneiss is enthralled by Cassie from the first meeting. Will the "love spell" work its magic or will love find its way on its own? This is a beautifully written story that shows love will strike when you least expect it.

Sweet on You by Kate Angell
This is the first story that I have read by this wonderful author and it will definitely not be my last! With the annual Moonbright Halloween Parade looming in the near future, Mayor Jack Hanson is having to handle all of the details. During his Coffee break at Bellaluna's Bakery, Jack runs into Lara Shaw.
Lara is trying to figure out her next move after her boyfriend broke up with her. Sitting in Bellaluna's Bakery, she notices Jack as he enters. As she gets lost in her thoughts of the past, Jack approaches her table with a plate of the Italian Iced "Magical Cookies". Telling Jack the short version of the problems she is facing, her mood has lightened after he has left and made her promise to come by his office to let him know about her job search. True to her word, Lara stops by the courthouse and witnesses the many people there to give Jack their opinions on the annual Halloween Parade. When the office is finally empty, Jack hires Lara as his event planner. It seems Lara's day has gotten brighter since her visit to Bellaluna's Bakery. Has the beautiful magic, that Bellaluna's is famous for, given a slight push to bring this awesome couple together?

This three story collection is a beautiful and magical read as Fall approaches!

I enjoy these anthologies where the stories are written around a specific theme. All three of these stories take place in Moonbright, Maine, the Hallowe'en Capital of the U.S. They also have Italian Cookies play a role in the story, and of course they are all romances. This was an enjoyable book with two new authors to me. I enjoyed all three novellas, but liked Love Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles the best, perhaps because there were some secrets and angst involved in it.

I loved how there was a little bit of magic in each of these stories, but it did not overwhelm. These were sweet stories of love with each of the women being a bit shy, yet rather sassy when attraction begins. The banter between the two main characters in each story was funny and had me smiling. The supporting characters were also entertaining. With each story being a novella or short story, there was not a lot of time to develop characters, yet that did not seem to be an issue. Each story had me smiling as I watched the attraction grow between the characters. Yes, it was instalove and that is not my favourite trope, but it worked well with these three delightful stories.

Get lost in the charm of Moonbright, Maine this autumn as the leaves blow in the breeze, pumpkin pie's tantalizing scent tickles your nose and Halloween parades every year are what the town's people look forward to.
The cover of this book is very appealing, who can resist a bakeshop filled with autumn goodies?
This delightful trio of autumn stories will have you dreaming of romance,baked goods and fun times.
Pub Date 27 Aug 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This is three novellas combined into one novel. As a fan of Donna Kauffman I requested the book from NetGalley and I am glad I did. The stories mesh so well. Having a bit of magic and romance.

The magic is in and around the bakeshop and the cookies that Nana bakes. In the first one Bree is learning her own way around the bakeshops magic as well when Caleb enters the bakery just as Nana knew he would.

The second and third are from authors I do not remember reading before. The second story is about Cassie trying to make one man interested in her when maybe it is a complete stranger she needs to be made aware of. And the third is about Lara who seems to be having a bad day until love walks in.

This is a great story to read around the Halloween season. A magical romance!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a collection of 3 intertwined novellas set in 2 weeks around Halloween by 3 different authors. The setting is Moonbright, Maine and love centers in Bellaluna’s Bakery and their magic cookies.

I enjoyed all three of the stories as they tied different parts of the town together. Great Halloween read.

A small Italian bakery in a town named Maine. Several authors put their ideas together and have come up with an interesting read. This has been well written and well presented, I am sure you will really enjoy this novel. I would recommend this to be suitable for all.

First in fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with these stories.
I loved them, they're sweet and heartwarming and made me wish it was already autumn.
I loved the fleshed out characters, the engrossing and entertaining plots and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this authors.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Omg, when I saw a book about autumn romances, I knew I had to read it. I love everything autumn; cooler weather, leaves turning, and most important, pumpkin spice lattes! I LOVED this book & I loved that it had a Good Witch vibe to it. All the stories center around Bellaluna's Bakeshop. First up is Sweet Magic. Donna Kauffman's Abriana (love that name! & she is also the granddaughter to Sofia Bellaluna, who owns the bakeshop) and Caleb knew they were fated to be together the minute they met. But is it cookie magic or is it the real thing? I love Donna Kauffman's stories. Always full of great romance and this story does not disappoint. The next story is Love Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles. This is a new to me author. Cassie and Chip are just adorable. They met in an unusual way. Cassie was choking on one of the cookies she had just bought at the bakery, convinced they would help Samuel (her boss) notice her. Instead Chip, a potential insurance client, gave her the Heimlich and saved her life. Franca, Cassie's coworker, was absolutely hilarious. I liked her just as much as Cassie and Chip. Will she give up the spells on Samuel to notice her and return Chip's love? The final story is Sweet On You by Kate Angell. This is another new to me author. Lara is having a bad day! First, she gets dumped by her boyfriend Glen at Bellaluna's. What a jerk! He tells her that she is ordinary & fat in front of everyone so that he can date another woman. Then her landlord raises her rent & she may soon be jobless. Her high school crush Jack, who is now mayor of Moonbright, Maine, comes over and offers her a cookie, courtesy of Sofia. Will Lara's days get better? If you liked The Good Witch or Halloweentown, you will enjoy these stories. And now I have two new authors whenever I need a romance fix! And I will be drinking a pumpkin spice latte. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice
by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, & Allyson Charles

Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Published August 27th 2019 by Kensington



Goodreads synopsis:
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment. 
 
Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …
 
Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

***

4.75 Stars


SWEET MAGIC by Donna Kauffman - 5 Stars!

This story is just wow, EVERYTHING I ever wanted in a love story. It doesn’t even feel like a short story at all. Bree O’Neill and her family own the Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice lanes called Bellaluna’s. This family has its own brand of magic… foodie magic. They make cookies and these cookie nudge couples together, couples that might never have met otherwise. Bella was working on her first batch of love spell iced cookies and was unhappy with the results. Then in walked Caleb Dimitriou to the bakeshop. He took one of Bella’s cookies and it was just… magic! Bella’s nonna Sofia knew it would be. They all had the gift. She knew it would come through Bella eventually.

Everything seems like it is perfect for them. Then they realize that each have similar family connections and a love of baking. She here and he in Philly. But Caleb is only in Moonbright due to his Aunt and Uncle’s after the fact honeymoon. He will only be in town for 6 weeks. Bree knows that she would never leave Moonbright and she could never ask Caleb to give up everything for her.

Fate has other ideas. Her magical connection to Caleb prompts her to visit him when she believes him to be in danger. The connection they have is just a mind-blowing thing to read. AI could literally feel all the tingles and yes, magic happening with the couple. It comes through on the page in a flurry of fascinating circumstances. I just loved this one so much!!


LOVE SPELLS DISASTER by Allyson Charles - 4.75 Stars

Cassandra Hie has decided who she wants for her beau and she is setting up a strategy to get him. Her target is her boss Samuel. He is buttoned up and straight-laced. He is a guy who would provide her security in her life. But handyman Chip Gneiss eats the magical cookie Cassie had bought for Samuel not realizings her intentions for its use. I don’t even think Samuel knew Cassie even worked for him much less was pining away for him. But fate keeps pushing Chip and Cassie together, much to her dismay. She knows what she wants and has decided it is not Chip.

Then Chip comes and builds the Halloween Haunted House she had always dreamed of in her driveway. He initially gets frustrated at her constantly pushing him away and then comes to the conclusion that Cassie is someone he wants to fight for.

Super sweet story but I felt like this one almost ended too soon. I think I needed a bit more of the story after Cassie realized that she would surrender to fate and finally accept Chip. This is one of those stories you just want to knock the main character on the back of the head and tell her to “wake up.” Her best friend, Franka (cool name btw) did the best she could during the story but it is Chip’s persistence that wins him the day and Cassie’s heart.


SWEET ON YOU by Kate Angell - 4.75 stars!

Lara Shaw is not having a good day. First her boyfriend dumps her for the town’s sluttiest resident, her rent goes up higher than she can handle and her 30 hour a week job will be gone by Christmas. Sofia from Bellaluna’s Bakeshop gives her and Mayor Jack Hanson some of their special iced cookies. Lara had always felt like an outcast compared to Jack’s popularity. They knew each other in school, but what she never realized was that he was sweet on her… even back then. The cookies only nudge the two together.

While Lara is on her job hunt, she doesn’t find what she is looking for. Jack decides to hire her to coordinate the Halloween festivities, parade and the choose the Queen. There is a fire cracker of a woman, Edna Milner, in this story who gives all the residents she secretly likes special names like Pumpkin Head for Lara and Jack-o-lantern for Jack.

This is a story not only about finding love again even when you don’t think it is possible but a story about community and how being a good neighbor can be its own blessing.

Super sweet story. You won’t want to miss it.


Excerpt of LAVENDER & MISTLETOE from Donna Kauffman is tagged at the end of this book. It is definitely a book you might want to buy after getting this short glimpse into the story. It is part of a multiple book series. It might be a series to do a marathon read with too.


I put this book off until the end of the month and after reading my plethora of cozy mysteries that came out on August 27. I am not sure why I waited. This book might look unassuming but you can feel the magic inside its pages. Pick it up and check it out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice is an anthology of three stories written by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell and Allyson Charles. The town of Moonbright, ME., Halloween, the magic of cookies; and the baker at the bakery, Bellaluna, connect the stories.

The authors have each written strong female characters. Each knows who they are but not their hearts. The men are also strong characters who know themselves and their hearts, creating an interesting difference between the genders. Watching the interaction and back and forth between the characters is engaging.

I enjoyed this book that focuses on love, relationships and learning to see what is in front of you and grabbing your happiness. The stories are warm, funny and uplifting. The authors did a wonderful job in joining these stories.

Thank you #Netgalley and #KensingtonPublishing for approving my request for an advance reader copy of this book. All the opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

This book contains three stores, all written around The Bakeshop, Bellaluna’s. What a magical place it is! All the stories have a Halloween theme, because the residents of Moonbright love Halloween!! Each story has two special people, but all the characters are special in their own way. These are stories that have folks realizing what is real and important. I enjoyed all three very much. You also get to read three different authors, so you may just find a few favorite. Oh, there are some yummy recipes included too! This is a great book to get you in the Fall/Halloween spirit! I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

This book is three stories in one book. It is set around Halloween in Moonbright, Maine. It is a wonderful romantic read. It makes you wish for fall. Cozy nights, warm sweaters and anything pumpkin. The Bellaluna Bakery is the common thread in the three stories with its ‘magical’ cookie. It’s an easy read and makes you wish that Moonbright was a real town. This is my honest opinion and a received an early arc from Net Galley and publisher Kensington.

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice Is a delightful novella trilogy by authors Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, and Allyson Charles. Each story is set in the small town of Moonbright, Maine, and pivots around the magical happenings around Bellaluna”s Bakeshop.

In the first novella, Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman, Abriana Bellaluna O’Neill is the baker in her grandmother’s bakeshop. While she has heard about the Bellaluna magic her entire life, she has not yet experienced it herself. That is until Caleb Dimitriou arrives in town to manage his uncle’s Greek restaurant. It is then that Bree discovers her magic.

This magic from the special sweet shop is spread throughout the following two novellas Love Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles and Sweet on You by Kate Angel. In both of these stories the special treats from Bellaluna’s play a role as the autumn ushers in a season of love.

This is a sweet set of stories that I truly enjoyed. It is nice to see my favorite season play a role in a love story rather than spring or summer. I also enjoyed the interaction of characters between the three stories showing true collaboration by the three authors. I do recommend this book.

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice is an anthology of connected by three wonderful romance authors, Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell and Allyson Charles. Each story centers around the magical baked goods from Bellaluna’s Bakeshop. The stories are not paranormal as such but more along the line of love potions without the witches.

Sweet Magic is written by Donna Kauffman one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. She does not disappoint as she set the background for the anthology with Bree who helps run her grandmother’s shop in Moonbright, Maine. Caleb and Bree are a cute couple in a delightful story. I can feel the fall breezes and the feeling of love in the air as this story progressed.

Next up is Love Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles where who the heart thinks it wants is not best. Disaster is certainly how the main character would Cassie would describe what happens in the beginning. Still it has a fitting and sweet conclusion where the right guy wins her heart.

Last but not least is Sweet on You by Kate Angell is another disaster in the beginning with a public break-up for Lara Shaw. Yet I say good riddance, because Jack who comes along before the day is over is much more the one for her.

The Halloween theme is fun as is the bakeshop in these three charming fall stories. I really liked the idea of a Halloween parade but even better is the magical baker. It is sort of like Butterbean Café for adults and romance. Now I wonder if we have such a baker nearby.

The three novellas in this book are centered around fall and Halloween. I read Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman. Sweet Magic was a sweet, charming story with a little bit of magic thrown in...if you believe. The characters of Bree and Caleb fall in love at first sight. They don't think they can possibly have a future, because Caleb is leaving again. Will there be enough magic in their love to make it all work out? Such a delicious love story. Kauffman never disappoints!
If Sweet Magic is any indication of what the other novellas are like, I can't wait to read them!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Pumpkin Spice, apples, and all things autumn is all I can think about after reading The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, and Allyson Charles. I totally loved these three stories occurring in Moonbright, Maine. Kauffman and Angell have a tradition of creating towns I would love to live in; Charles was a new author to me.

Bellaluna’s Bakeshop is a family owned business based on traditional recipes. It is a warm and welcoming place where legend has it that its treats offer heart-melting, spellbinding love, matching soul mates. In this anthology we have three couples who meet through sharing treats from Bellaluna finding a fated and everlasting love, a love that was not expected.

These amazing stories by three talented story tellers were emotional, tender, sweet, and heartwarming tales not to be missed. Each story provided sexy banter, a little steam, confusion, conflict and enduring characters that were given a chance at having a solid, loving future together but also a wonderful community of support. I highly recommend The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This shop is one I would of liked to visit but wait a minute I did as soon as I opened the pages.
We are treated with being transported to a place that goes all out for decorations getting that spirit going. It also comes with romance laced with magic that keeps us there for awhile.
We are given three to delight in and share their magic with us. It is also by three authors that share their characters in this place.
The opening gives a bakeshop that is hard to leave but you soon do. Next is a character that gives a bit a humor with her story. Then the last one wraps everything up with still giving us sweet romance tying them all together too.
This is one that surly can not be missed with it also having you crave the goodies in between with almost smelling that smell of pumpkins in the air.

Nothing better than getting 3 stories in 1 book! All three stories are tied to a wonderful Italian Bakery at the corner of Pumpkin and Spice in a small village in Maine. The first story introduces you to the Bakery and the two women than run it. The second and third stories introduces you to some of the patrons to the Bakery and how the Bakery fits into and changes their lives.

Beautifully written, this was a fun and easy fast read. I fell in love with the characters and wanted to continue reading more about this magical place. It’s the type of story, that after reading, makes your heart smile.

I definitely recommend this book. It’s a great Halloween read but can be read any time of the year. I will be reading more from these authors!

Thank you #netgalley and #donnakauffman for giving me the privilege to read this wonderful book!

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice is an anthology of fall stories set in the town of Moonbright, Maine, right before its annual Halloween parade. It features stories by Donna Kauffman, Allyson Charles, and Kate Angell. Each also includes a recipe for a delicious bakery treat.

Four and a half stars


Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman
Abriana Bellaluna O'Neill, aka Bree, is the baker for Bellaluna's Bakeshop, in the town of Moonbright, Maine. She and her beloved grandmother Sofia keep the bakery a vital part of the town, with the added bonus that sometimes a little magic might or might not be responsible for providing a little love boost to some couples... Bree adores her grandmother and her vocation, and honestly the entire charming town. Her one frustration is simply that the family magic has yet to manifest itself in her romantic life. Sofia reassures her that it's there, and will be revealed in the right time.

Caleb Dimitriou's favorite place is also the kitchen. His family is in the restaurant business, and he's asked to take responsibility for his uncle and aunt's Moonbright restaurant while they are off for a honeymoon they never had the chance to take when they first married.

When Bree and Caleb lay eyes on each other, the stars align. But of course the path to true love doesn't run smooth, even one with magical confirmation. Donna Kauffman's story is ultimately as sweet as its bakery setting, with a bit of a mystery and some family support along the way.


Love Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles
Cassandra Hie, aka Cassie, has her heart set on a date (or more) with her rock-solid boss. With the help of her best friend's family love spells, she's intent on making herself some magic. When Chip Gneiss accidentally steps in the path of one of her attempts, Cassie's annoyed at the misdirection. But maybe she didn't really need any extra assistance to find her heart's true desire after all...

Chip is a generous and bold suitor, but one who's considerate of Cassie's feelings. While it takes Cassie a bit longer to recognize a good thing, she doesn't lack for guts or motivation. Allyson Charles's story is a fun one that reminds us that sometimes what we think we want isn't what we're going to get, and that often, that can be the very best thing after all!


Sweet on You by Kate Angell
Jack Hanson, the mayor of Moonbright, has his hands overflowing with work, especially since the upcoming Halloween parade has a stream of townspeople at his office with suggestions, complaints, and whatnot. When he runs into Lara Shaw at Bellaluna Bakery, he realizes she'd be perfect for the job of event planner.

Kate Angell's story gives us a chance to see Jack and Lara's relationship unfold under the watchful eyes of Moonbright, and we get a peek at some of the people we've met in the other stories in the anthology. There's a core of sweetness to Ms Angell's writing that underlies this tale, and pervades the town and parade. Lara's no pushover, and her kindness not only wins Jack's heart but also the town's, as this year's Moonbright Halloween parade is one for the ages!

The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice is a heartwarming collection of stories that remind us that love finds us, no matter what time of year it might be!

What a great seasonal compilation from 3 fantastic authors. I could not put this book down. The first novella definitely has magic in the air. Two like minded characters who love their families and careers. A baker and a chef who want to be together, but have family obligations that may keep them apart. Will love win out or will they choose their families and careers over each other?

The second novella features a determined woman who know what she wants and is willing to do anything to get it. But is her “want to be” future husband really the right man for her?

My favorite book in this collection is the third novella. A down on her luck woman is presented with a great opportunity at just the right time. Could love have been right in front of her all along? I would love to read a sequel to this book.

The town featured in these stories is a magical place where you can’t help but be drawn in.