Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an early copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I absolutely love this book and read it in one day. I loved the storyline and the characters. I thought the characters had great growth. I thought this book was just such a cute and sweet book. I would definitely recommend this book.

So good to return to Micklewick Bay
To discover the folks who’ve returned to stay.
Also to catch up on the folks living there
Their friends and families for whom they care.

This time the focus is on Jasmine Ingilby
With two children this single Mum has jobs 1, 2, 3!
Determined to be financially independent she works constantly
Doing the best she can for her family.

With memories of the past rekindled once more
With friendships - and bullies - mixed feelings for sure
With their children added in to the mix
Will this prove to be an easier fix?

A gorgeous, heartwarming romance
In which childhood friends have a second chance.
But will memories and events since then
Bring them together or part them again?

With delicious cakes and tasty treats, too
No wonder I don’t hesitate to highly recommend it to you!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Every night, Jasmine Ingilby dreams of delicate sugar flowers and perfectly swirled buttercream. By day, she steals moments between her cleaning shifts to craft stunning cakes from her tiny kitchen, hoping to transform her passion into something more. But as a fiercely independent single mother of two, finding time to grow her fledgling business feels like reaching for the impossible.

Book 5 in a series and I hadn't read the rest, although I have now because I enjoyed their interactions.

This is a feel good series with just the right balance of knowing exactly what will happen with the obstacles to get there. Really lovely.

The next installment in this series is centred around Jasmine, however don't worry if you haven't read the others, it can be read as a stand alone which is great.
Jasmine, a single mother struggling to make ends meet, holds down several jobs including her own cake making business. When a blast from the past turns up, she is transported back to her school days and some unpleasant memories.
I love how this book deals with social issues yet the author has written them into the storyline with great care.
The friendship between Jas and her friends is written so well you feel like you are part of their group and could be sitting in the pub with them.
Didn't want to put this down.

This is the fifth book in the series and it was lovely to be back in Micklewick Bay with the girls. The focus of this book is on Jasmine, or Jazz to her friends.

She is a fiesty, independent, single mum who would do anything for her kids. She has had a difficult time since the children were born between them losing their dad, working 2 jobs and trying to keep everything together as well as dreaming about her cake making business taking off.

Just as she gets an offer she can't refuse, two people from her past make an appearance. One is her childhood friend Max, the other her arch nemesis and both bring problems in different ways.

I love the author's writing style. Her descriptions of the area are so vivid you can picture them. Her characters are well written and I love the differing personalities of the friends. There are some wonderful characters in this book.

This is a heartwarming and uplifting story about family, friendship and second chances which I thoroughly enjoyed.

|:: Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay .
By Eliza J. Scott
Chapter 8 Page 69
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

{ “Right then, what are we waiting for?” She jumped up and grabbed her bag. “Last one to get their shoes on is a rotten egg!’.
Giggling she raced out of the kitchen and into the hall where their outdoor shoes were lined up by the front door.
Chloe let out an excitable squeal and shot after her mum, while Zack leapt to his feet, squawking as he tripped over the table leg, losing valuable seconds. ‘Mum, you cheated!’
Laughing hard he threw himself down the tiny hallway and pushed his feet into his trainers, beating his mum but coming second to his little sister. ‘Mum’s a rotten egg! Mum's a rotten egg’ Zak sang, Chloe joining in and giggling as the pair danced a victory jig. }

Jasmine Ingleby is the main protagonist of this book, a widowed mum of two, she had sworn off love for good. Every situation she had been in before had created a scar across her heart, fortifying the walls around it even more, making it hard to penetrate. Life was okay, she had a successful, but small business with a small circle of clientele for her hobby of making every-theme cakes, she held down two jobs as well, proving her determination for providing a safe and happy environment for her family. She put her children before herself. In fact everyone came before her.. Why?

One by one, the mortar and rubble of her walls built around her, holding her together while also keeping in the tensions, secrets, fears and her worries as problems started to surface and niggle away at her, as they began to crumble.
For every good thing that came by, something else fell apart.

First of all there's the surprising job opportunity, the reintroduction of an old primary school bully, her sneaky landlord..
Then there is Max. He looks nothing like the memory Jasmine had of him. He's changed, both in stature, physique and confidence. She's not sure what or why he's come back but something tells her it might just involve herself.

Although this book is in a series of others, this was my first introduction to Micklewick Bay. The characters were well thought out, grounded and had an emotional response for the reader to see just how deep friendship can go. Her Friday nights with the girls made me giggle and remind me of my own friends. Of course.. then there was her very own knight in shining armour. He would appear at the most convenient times when ʻshe needed him most’.. and then there were the not-so-good things.. The need for money to help her just get through life by the skin of her teeth. A feeling most people would have felt at least once in their lifetime.

I loved this book from the very first page. It created a wholesome, boy meets girl, friends to lovers kind of genre, the thick tension surrounding them was loaded with historical memories and feelings, and very sweet to see blossom. I also found Ernest to be a joy to read about! Most books end with a happily ever after but this one was practical, I like the way it left hope to settle and not take the easy route of, everything was okay, they fell in love, became the perfect family and lived happily ever after.
They didn't but it did make me hope for it, for them.

A huge thank you to Eliza J. Scott, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

This is a gentle, warm, charming book. It is the first I have read in the series and will be looking to read more. Lovely characters and a real feel good factor. Recommend

Being a single parent is not easy but Jasmine does her best to keep a positive approach to life. She's lucky she can count with her parents support and her best friends who always have her back which helps even exausted as a result of working two jobs and baking beautiful cakes on the side. Her children help as they are well behaved and agreeable. However, things are not running smoothly, Chloe is withdrawn and does not want to go to school, her car needs repairing but money is short, her ex-husband parents keep on demanding that she gives back the jewelry that she does not have, and the problems escalate to the point of giving her a major breakdown. Her long lost best friend Max has returned to Micklewick Bay and just his presence has the power to calm her down putting a spark in her eyes. Will Jasmine be able to overcome her problems and find a happier life? Is Max her soulmate? Cupackes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay is an easy and sweet read that will provide great entertainment for romance lovers.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Every night, Jasmine Ingilby dreams of delicate sugar flowers and perfectly swirled buttercream. By day, she steals moments between her cleaning shifts to craft stunning cakes from her tiny kitchen, hoping to transform her passion into something more. But as a fiercely independent single mother of two, finding time to grow her fledgling business feels like reaching for the impossible.

Just when her hard work seems about to pay off, Jasmine’s carefully balanced world begins to crumble. Her landlord puts a ‘For Sale’ sign outside her rented home. Then a figure from her past returns to town, reopening old wounds Jasmine thought had long healed and causing trouble at school for her young children.

Then Max Grainger – her childhood best friend – unexpectedly returns to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years away, and Jasmine is blindsided by the emotions his presence stirs. Now a successful businessman with a son of his own, Max seems determined to solve all her problems. But years of self-reliance have built walls around Jasmine's heart that even the sweetest gestures struggle to break through.

Will Jasmine's fear of getting burned again stop her from accepting help when she needs it most? Or will the loyal support of her friends help her discover the perfect recipe for love?

Oi! This is a quaint, cozy romance with lot of fun and sweetness. Eliza J. Scott describes Jasmine's world so perfectly you feel like you actually live there and her characters are your friends. I love the accents and language difference because it feels as if I'm completely in a different world than my own and I never want to leave it. It's a quick read on a warm summer night.

Great, heartwarming novel about Jasmine, a single mum to two children & who works 3 jobs to pay the bills. One of the jobs is her dream - cake making and decorating & she quickly garners a fantastic reputation within the area. This story has everything; the hardships of being a single parent, the tragic story of her children's father, her amazing parents and the sexy friend from childhood who returns to the area. Mix in there some strong female friendships and you have the mains of a fantastic story. Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy

I am a sucker for a friends to lovers childhood romance! Such a perfect summer read where you can’t help but root for the FMC. I would certainly recommend this book!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Cupcakes And Kisses In Micklewick Bay' by Eliza J Scott.

WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! Yet another absolutely beautiful book in this gorgeous series !! I cannot wait to read more books by this extremely talented author! Grab this delicious and delightful page turner today and you will not regret it!

I have absolutely loved each and every one of the amazing Eliza's books that I have read so far and this one is no exception!!! How she does it time and time again I will never know but I am just over the moon that she does as every time I need a feel good book to turn a frown upside down Eliza Scott is my go to woman!! Although this is the fifth in the series would have I had absolutely no problems reading it without and of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. I would always say to try to read any books that are part of a series in order but if you have started with this one, and who can blame you with the tasty looking cover, then have no fear! The e is a silver lining in starting a series later and that is once you have finished this gorgeous page turner and fallen in love with Eliza, Micklewick, Jasmine and the rest of the characters you can go back and read the previous 4 stunning books in this series while you are eagerly and impatiently waiting for the sixth book to come out. Speaking of which, I hope you are busy with this Eliza as I cannot wait to see what happens next in this stunning community! I absolutely love, Love, LOVE this absolutely stunning festive filled book and gorgeous series!! I have loved each book in this series and I have been looking forward to having a sofa holiday in Micklewick Bay ever since I left there at Christmas in 'Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea'. I am extremely pleased to say that I was not let down and it was everything I hoped it to be and much more!! With a stunning storyline filled with romance, friendship, cakes, friends, goodies, community and everything you could ask for and so much more what on Earth are you waiting for?? Grab your copy and get lost in this beauty today!! If you want a book that will warm you up and turn a frown upside down this is definitely one for you!! Eliza's stunning evocative descriptions pulls you into the book leaving you feeling the sea air blowing around you, feeling your heart warm as you turn the pages and make you fall in love with the beautiful Micklewick Bay and the amazing characters in it!!! This is one of those places that immediately felt like I was returning to a holiday home by the time I got to book 2 in this series which is called 'Summer Days At Clifftop Cottage' and I look forward to coming back each and every time Eliza brings another book out in this series!! The characters all feel like friends and I always enjoy meeting previous friends and making new ones!! Eliza really does a beautiful job of weaving this incredible storyline together and thanks to her emotive writing skills she will have you smiling, frustrated, laughing and more! This book and series is an absolutely gorgeous, romantic, festive paradise escape!!! I was completely swept away with the storyline and loved having a holiday in the beautiful Micklewick Bay looking over the gorgeous sea while surrounded by so many amazing characters and beautiful sights!! I was utterly glued to the pages and I could not bring myself to put it down. I was carrying my kindle around with me every chance that I got as I just could not put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting then being gutted I had finished it so quickly!! This is one stunning book with a stunning location that I would absolutely love to visit!! I was devastated when I came to the end of this gorgeous mini break away and had to get back to reality in Wales, although for a change it is sunny at the moment. I would seriously recommend this book to anyone and everyone!! A gorgeous uplifting page turning romance that will warm your hearts 💝.

Clear your schedules and grab the tissues as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner that will keep you hooked and sweep you away on a stunning holiday❤️

Although this is the fifth book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without reading the first three books. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely loved getting to know the characters in this book who were all strong, realistic. I became completely invested in each and every one of them. They all had their own problems, quirks, secrets, strengths, weaknesses, feelings and all had unique personalities and I just absolutely loved getting to know them all. It was lovely seeing the amazing community and friendships develop and grow between different characters and it really made them all feel like friends rather than fictional characters. The fact that Eliza clearly cares for each of her characters shines through the pages in her fantastic descriptions of them and how she gives each their own unique personalities and brings them to life!! I really am looking forward to meeting each of them again and again on my future journeys to Micklewick Bay!! I will say that with all the characters, thanks to Eliza's fantastic and emotive writing skills she ensured I felt each of their love , friendship, pain, heartbreak, happiness, anger, sorrow and so much more. Eliza does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills!! Well done Eliza!!!

Congratulations Eliza on yet another absolutely gorgeous, delicious and heart-warming read filled with everything you could ever ask for in a page turner!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your future books especially the future books in this series!! I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is exactly why you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an absolutely gorgeous and tasty book that will keep you glued to the pages, warm your heart and licking your lips ❤️!!!

#CupcakesAndKissesInMicklewickBay #MicklewickBay #ElizaJScott #StormPublishing #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@ElizaJScott @StormPublishing @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86

https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFZ2XZBSFHIHXBXGZLBQ666XVK4A?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_mb_l_prfÀ

This is the first book I have read by Eliza and was happy to receive an advance copy. Jasmine is a single mum to 2 kids and she struggles with 3 jobs,cleaning,working in a bakery and she bakes her own cakes. She meets her childhood friends every Friday night which she lives for. Her friends worry about her and are always there for her. Lady Cora offers Jasmine to make wedding cakes for her new venture of holding weddings at her stately home. This perks Jasmine up then she finds out her rented home is to be sold. Max has moved back to the area with his son. He went to school with Jasmine,they were best friends and Jasmine looked out for him as he was picked on at school. He spent a lot of time at Jasmines house and was one of the family, Unfortunately he had to go and live with his grandfather so they lost touch. Jasmine was dropping of her son at his new friends house for a birthday party and she was shocked and surprised to find out his dad was Max. You must read this book to find out what happens to Jasmine and Max. I loved it.

Jasmine really couldn’t squeeze any more into her busy days – being a hands-on mother, the cleaning work for Stella’s mum (and there’s one lovely old lady that’d really miss her), the shifts at the bakery, producing the most wonderful special occasion cakes in her small kitchen. She’d love to spend all her time on the cake-baking she loves, but she’s barely keeping her head above water as it is. She can only just fit in the Friday nights in the pub with her close circle of friends – but they’re so very important to her, and keep her going. And just when a new opportunity crosses her path – with the potential to make her dreams come true – she returns one day to find a for sale sign on her rented house, with the need to find a new home for her small family.

And then there’s the surprise return of Max – the little boy she protected from bullies when they were little, as he spent time with her family to escape his father’s neglect. When he left, he said he’d return for her – with a flashy sports car, having made his fortune, to marry her. And his life has certainly changed – a beautiful house overlooking the bay, a property empire, a PA who looks after his son, a lifestyle Jasmine can only dream of. Romance is the last thing on her mind – her experience with her former husband put an end to all that. But behind the new glossy front, Max the man is still the boy she remembers…

The story shifts – quite seamlessly – between past and present, as Jasmine tries to decide the direction her life should follow. And her friendship circle – it was so lovely to spend time with them again – are always there to provide both emotional support and practical help. It’s a particularly engaging story, emotional at times, and filled with the same warmth as the earlier books in this lovely series. All the characters are wonderfully drawn, including the villains of the piece who certainly bring complications – I really loved both Jasmine and Max, so hoping they could overcome the obstacles and find their way to a happy future together. And Jasmine’s friendships – and her relationship with the family – were something I very much enjoyed.

Do read this one as a standalone if you’ve missed the earlier books in the series – you’ll soon be wrapped up in everyone’s lives, and feel part of the lovely community. And don’t be put off by the book’s title – I know the mention of “cupcakes” can be a red flag to many – because this is a book with real emotional depth and none of the fluffiness you might be expecting. I really loved it – and I know so many others will too.

Heartwarming community feel book, 5th in the series so check out the others first (although this can be read as a standalone. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

https://comfychairbooks.blogspot.com/2025/07/cupcakes-and-kisses-in-micklewick-bay.html

Absolutely charming from start to finish!

Eliza J Scott’s Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay is a sweet, heartwarming escape to the coast that had me smiling the whole way through. Returning to Micklewick Bay allows us to catch up with endearing characters that we’ve had the pleasure to read about previously, catch up on their lives while really focus on Jasmines story. These books are set in a fictional seaside town but resembles the north coast – a place that I recently enjoyed so I picture everything and feel right there. With all of Eliza’s books, we have the perfect sprinkle of romance and baked delights, but also the emotional stories of people’s lives when not going so well, or faced with difficulty. Whilst it is emotional at times, the friendships, the heart and the positivity mean it’s the perfect feel-good read. Eliza provides a story of small-town community and friendship and the joy of second chances with grace and humour. A delicious treat for fans of cute rom-coms with a dash of whimsy!

If you liked this one, fancy another seaside escape or something with a bit more drama then check out this lovely authors other books, they are charming!

I'm so happy to be back in Micklewick Bay! I have grown very fond of these sweet women, so supportive and present for each other through whatever they're going through. This novel focuses on Jasmine and her story. Jasmine is unstoppable. She's a single mom of 2, doing whatever she needs to make her and her children's lives better, even if it means burning herself out. Her Friday nights with the girls is her only form of de-stressing and relaxation. She's juggling a lot and, luckily, has the support of her friends, including dear Maggie, who just so happened to drop her name while starting her own business venture. Now Jasmine is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime with her cake-making business, an opportunity that can help with much financial relief. But how will she do it with her children, multiple jobs, and now having to leave her home? Not to mention, her childhood friend, Max, who was tramatically bullied throughout school, is back in Micklewick Bay and better than ever! He's a hottie and very successful. Not only are her children friends with his son, but there's a growing attraction between Jasmine and Max that's undeniable. What should Jasmine do?!
I loved this one! Like all Micklewick Bay stories, this one is refreshing and a breath of fresh air. I loved the turnaround for Jasmine, and I love how, once Max came back into the picture, she was finally able to breathe and even give love another go. Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Eliza J. Scott for this ARC!

Thanks netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read a copy over this book. This book is the latest in the Micklewick Bay series and I was so happy to return back there. If you haven't read any of the previous books that's ok because you get a little introduction as to who's who. This story is about hardworking single mum Jasmine and all the struggles she is having to face. We catch up with friends old and new, some of which she'd rather she hadn't. A lovely story of family, friendships & second chances. Heartily recommend reading this one.

Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay by Eliza J. Scott

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Every night, Jasmine Ingilby dreams of delicate sugar flowers and perfectly swirled buttercream. By day, she steals moments between her cleaning shifts to craft stunning cakes from her tiny kitchen, hoping to transform her passion into something more. But as a fiercely independent single mother of two, finding time to grow her fledgling business feels like reaching for the impossible.

Just when her hard work seems about to pay off, Jasmine’s carefully balanced world begins to crumble. Her landlord puts a ‘For Sale’ sign outside her rented home. Then a figure from her past returns to town, reopening old wounds Jasmine thought had long healed and causing trouble at school for her young children.

Then Max Grainger – her childhood best friend – unexpectedly returns to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years away, and Jasmine is blindsided by the emotions his presence stirs. Now a successful businessman with a son of his own, Max seems determined to solve all her problems. But years of self-reliance have built walls around Jasmine's heart that even the sweetest gestures struggle to break through.

Will Jasmine's fear of getting burned again stop her from accepting help when she needs it most? Or will the loyal support of her friends help her discover the perfect recipe for love?

My Opinion

Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay is the fifth book in the Micklewick Bay series and whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Eliza J. Scott has written a heart-warming novel with a wonderful community. A great addition to the series.

Rating 4/5

Jasmine is struggling alone to support her two children, working multiple jobs whilst trying to expand her celebration cake making business. Things become worse with the reappearance of an old bully, especially when his children start affecting hers at school then she finds a for sale board outside her rented house.
To be honest I wasn't sure at the beginning of this book, the relentless pressure on Jasmine was depressing for me as a reader, let alone for her. What did bring light into the story was the support of her friends, some of whom I knew from a couple of previous books in the series I had read, plus the reappearance of Max, someone whom she had known from childhood and had been very close to before he had to move away. This then changed to story to a very positive one, although it still had its darker moments, and I ended up finishing the story in a day. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy an emotional romantic story.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.