An absolutely amazing read. This book is warm, fuzzy and everything a romance should be. I couldn't put it down, it had twists turns, serious real life problems touched on with such a delicate and sympathetic hand.

I shall be purchasing a paperback for my shelf when published!

A Lovely read of village life based around Jasmine and her daily and weekly juggle as a single mum to keep all the balls she has up in the air. The books focuses on her relationships be that with her children, her close friends or her potential love interest. This is juxtaposed with the presence of a bully and his family in the area who preys on others and adds a nasty taste to life for everyone. The book explores how Jasmine manages to keep it all afloat and the strength she gets from her friends and parents. There is a good dose of nostalgia thrown in too. The accents of the village is given life by the structure and words of the conversation which felt a little strained but otherwise a great read,

Book Review: Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay (Micklewick Bay #5)
By Eliza J. Scott | Published by Storm Publishing

Eliza J. Scott returns to the windswept charm of Micklewick Bay with Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay, a heartfelt story of resilience, renewal, and the kind of love that grows slowly—but sticks.

Jasmine Ingilby is a woman who’s always had to stand on her own. Her days are spent working grueling cleaning shifts; her nights are dedicated to her real passion—baking stunning cakes in a cramped kitchen, chasing the dream of something more. As a single mother of two, Jasmine has no margin for error. But just as her hard work begins to show promise, life throws her into another storm: her landlord is selling her home, her kids are struggling, and an unwelcome figure from her past reappears to stir up old pain.

Enter Max Grainger. Jasmine’s childhood best friend has returned to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years—and he’s not the boy she remembers. Now a successful businessman and father, Max seems intent on helping Jasmine in any way he can. But Jasmine doesn’t accept help easily, and the walls she’s built around her heart are tall, sturdy, and well-worn.

What follows is a moving, slow-burn romance wrapped in layers of emotional truth. Scott never takes shortcuts with character development—Jasmine and Max feel fully lived-in, and their journey is as much about inner healing as it is about falling in love. The tension between Jasmine’s fierce independence and Max’s unwavering support adds depth without ever tipping into melodrama.

The real magic, as always in this series, lies in the setting. Micklewick Bay hums with warmth, community, and coastal charm. Returning readers will feel like they’re visiting old friends; newcomers will be tempted to start the series from the beginning.

Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Jenny Colgan, and Phillipa Ashley, Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay is a rich, comforting read about second chances, friendship, and the strength it takes to believe in love again.

Sweet, but never saccharine. Emotional, but grounded in real life. Eliza J. Scott has crafted a romantic gem that’s as satisfying as a cupcake—and just as impossible to resist.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced review copy.

this was soo cute. i love a heart felt story about single moms getting their second chance at love. perfect, feel-good read.