From Scratch

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Pub Date 01 Mar 2016 | Archive Date 30 Nov 2016
Pelican Book Group | White Rose Publishing

Description

Maggie McKitrick loves everything about her new life in Gibson's Run, Ohio—her charming bakery, her quirky customers, her distance from the past. Yes, she loves everything…except her new landlord. Police Chief Sean Taylor is like a piece of sand in an oyster—irritating, but with the promise of something beautiful. Despite Maggie's self-imposed man-fast, she wonders what kind of treasure she and the lawman could create together. Sean Taylor likes to keep the peace, but his new tenant is making it nearly impossible to keep anything on an even keel—including his heart. Despite her sassy attitude, Sean is drawn to the beautiful pastry chef and has an overwhelming need to serve and protect her. As Maggie and Sean draw closer together, her long buried dreams about her life are reawakened into a hopeful prayer…until a threat from her past promises to destroy their future. Will Maggie be forced to run—again—starting fresh? Or will God answer her prayer and give her the happily-ever-after she's started from scratch?

Maggie McKitrick loves everything about her new life in Gibson's Run, Ohio—her charming bakery, her quirky customers, her distance from the past. Yes, she loves everything…except her new landlord...


A Note From the Publisher

Thank you for your interest in this Christian fiction title from Pelican Book Group.

Thank you for your interest in this Christian fiction title from Pelican Book Group.


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781611164831
PRICE $4.99 (USD)

Average rating from 25 members


Featured Reviews

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley for a honest review.

I haven't read a lot of Christian books, so I don't have much to compare this book too, but I like the story line of Maggie being a baker and Sean being a Police Chief in a small town, them not getting along at first and then coming together. I thought this was a sweet romance with some suspense thrown in. I like both the Maggie and Sean, although, I did get a bit tired of Maggie always making perfect desserts. I thought the references to God where all in line with the story and they helped to add to the storyline. So why only the 4stars? I like a bit more intensity between my h and H, I didn't feel there love, I was more told they, that they are in love. But if your in the market for an overall well written sweet romance, this a good contender.

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a sweet romance

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Maggie had moved to Gibson Run six months before. She had opened up a bakery and had made a few friends and was starting to fit into the small community very well. Everyone loved her except for her landlord, the chief of police, Sean. She irritated him and he reciprocated. Finally a truce was declared and they began to be friends.

Maggie had lost both of her parents at seventeen years old and, other than an "uncle" had no one. Both of Sean's parents were dead but he had two brothers he was close to, Mac and Joey, and was part of a larger extended adopted family in Gibson Run. He had grown up in the town and was well liked by all the citizens. The town was quiet and rarely did he have problems in his role as police chief.

When a stranger appeared, the "nosy" lady, Sissy, in town raised the alarm and started documenting the strangers movements and location. Because she did this all the time, the citizens pretty much ignored her until Sean began to think she might be on to something after all.

Maggie had secrets that she couldn't share with anyone. She had been running from a psychopath and was getting ready to run again should he show up. Mitchell had just been released from prison and she was scared he would run her life once again. He would take pleasure in destroying her life and hurting those that she was beginning to love and care for.

As their friendship began to become something more, Sean was determined to learn about Maggie's secrets as he began to care deeply for this beautiful, quirky, lady baker. Could he help her to see that she could trust him and that he could protect her? Would she ever feel safe again?

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I liked that Sean was thinking about his woman and her needs, "he shifted his head. His eyelids opened to half-mast. “We are. But I want more. I want to take you out to a nice dinner with tablecloths and waiters. But that doesn’t really matter unless I know what you want.” His voice sounded husky and soft to her ears. “What do you want, Maggie?” I liked this book I loved Sean.

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Wow! I could barely put this book down. The love story was poignant and the story surrounding Maggie had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for her through every turn of the page. I highly recommend this book and this author!!

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Loved the story of Maggie and Sean. Maggie had been through a lot and was going that the running was over. Sean, the local Chief of Police had no intention of getting to know Maggie. This very suspenseful story was very fast paced and relatable to things in today's headlines. Faith in God ran true throughout.

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Maggie McKitrick has opened a bakery in Gibson's Run, Ohio. Other than bickering with her police chief landlord over her rented space, she seems to be settling in with new friends and a growing business. But what brought her to Gibson's Run, and why is she so easily spooked by a few out-of-place incidents? Why does Chief Taylor feel that he's not getting all of the answers he's looking for, even as they set their differences aside?

I am a sucker for books about bakers and chefs; and I loved those scenes within this book, where Maggie is creating and interacting with customers and friends over the fantastic desserts she has crafted. The highlight of the book, however, was watching Maggie take root in this life she'd begun without any ties. As strangers became friends, and friends became family, it was uplifting to watch her be able to trust God in settling her in this place, allowing herself to stop hiding and confide in someone about her past. It was also refreshing to have that happen before it was revealed through other means. There are some disturbing sections regarding the reason for her running, but they're not over-the-top, and they serve as the means for Maggie's life as it is and give foundation to her deep faith in God. While the online descriptions of the book promote it heavily as a romance, I would say that's only a minor portion of this bigger story of faith, friends, and family. I do hope that this will become a series, and that we will get to look more into the characters of Gibson's Run, and perhaps the remaining Taylor brothers?

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I've only read a handful of Christian books and so far they are great reads. This one is very refreshing. I love the initial bickering between Maggie and Sean. The romance was very light and sweet reminded me a little of new adult in some ways. Maggie went through alot in her past and I fell in love with how they were there for each other through it all. It's all about Faith.

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From Scratch is a sweet contemporary Christian romance by author C.E. Hilbert. If you are in the mood for a heartwarming good over comes evil type romance this is the one.
Maggie McKitrick is an enigma to Sean Taylor. She is beautiful, bakes like a goddess, and nice to everyone except him. He and his brothers own the building that Maggie has rented to run her bakery but the problem is she won’t pay her rent! When he enters the bakery to get the rent he is met with a scowl, a list of repairs, refusal to pay rent until said repairs are done and several names none of which is actually his own! It doesn’t take long for Sean Taylor to fall for Maggie and her Mint Chocolate brownies. But it does take him a while to figure out the mystery of one Maggie McKitrick.
Maggie McKitrick found her love of baking but only after suffering a horrific experience that haunts her daily. Music use to be Maggie’s life until a crazed man became obsessed with her. In order to survive, Maggie must run and become someone else. She discovers along the way that she loves to bake and with the help of a friend she begins her bakery where she meets Sean Taylor and holds out hope that she can finally lay the past to rest. As she and Sean grow closer and begin their relationship, Maggie allows some of her guarded walls to come down. It doesn’t take long for Sean to learn that Maggie has a voice of an angel and the soul of one as well and that he wants to learn even more.
When a mysterious rental car and the town busy body draw Sean to a stranger in their town, Sean soon learns that the past Maggie has been running from has caught up to her. Maggie’s stalker is back to lay claim to what he believes is his…Maggie. Sean isn’t about to let this happen and is determined to keep Maggie safe and exactly where she belongs…with him.
Maggie has always trusted God and placed her faith in him, but now she must also learn to place her faith in Sean. She doesn’t want to leave Sean and the love they have and any future together, but can she stay and place Sean in danger? Will Sean be able to stop the horror from happening again?
This is a wonderful story of holding onto faith even during the most difficult times. I loved the sweet romance between Sean and Maggie and how it developed from an antagonistic beginning to a strong love between them. The author’s descriptions of Maggie’s bakery creations sounded delicious and had me disappointed that such a bakery wasn’t near me! I could go for one of those Mint Chocolate brownies or maybe one with caramel!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, most definitely. The Christian tone of the book isn’t overwhelming, but is read as it gently intertwines with the storyline. The issues regarding the stalker that Maggie must deal with are not graphic but could be enough to be a disturbance for some readers.

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This was such a sweet, charming book. I'm drawn to bakery themed cozies, I'm not sure why. great character development, interesting goings on, seems like it would be a lovely place to visit. I enjoyed my stay and hope that our lovely author brings us back door another visit.

*I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest opinion.*

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I really enjoyed this book. I loved the growth of the relationship between Sean and Maggie. I loved Maggie's strength and belief in God, that allowed her to face her fears and overcome them. A great story that I would recommend to anyone.

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http://saraslibrary.blogspot.com/2016/03/from-scratch.html

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This book was a really enjoyable read. Maggie is a very fun girl who is trying to rediscover herself. She is an amazing baker and is lucky to have found such a wonderful town to live in. Of course with every town there is the busy body who knows everything that happens in the town. She was actually not as annoying as some book have the busy body. Sean is a sweetheart and once he and Maggie stop fighting they are a great couple. CE Hilbert created a downright creepy stalker for Maggie. He is super scary and adds a lot of suspense the book. But the book was not full of fear like some suspenseful book have. Maggie and Sean's characters grew a lot through out the book and it was fun to get to know them.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The developing relationship between Maggie and Sean was delightful. I will be looking for more titles from C.E. Hilbert.

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Not a good idea to have the police chief mad at you.

What's her real name, I wonder.

What's her deal with cops?

Holy cuckoo-for-Cocoa-Puffs.

Sometimes it pays to have nosy neighbors.

People who share their dessert can't be trusted.

Well, at least she will never be an out-of-work actor.

Um, loosen the reins, Bitsy.

Everything sounds yummy.

Ham salad? Much as I love ham, eww.

These boys are totally whipped.

So. Creepy.

Joey, please stop talking about yourself in the third person. Even I want to smack you.

Lizzie is very cute.

Uncle Jack rocks.

What's sad and definitely worrisome is that this guy completely believes what he's selling.

That's so nice of them! This is a great town.

Omigod, be careful with those candles! Jeez.

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This is a radically dangerous romantic story - wow - that was a mouth full. This is about Maggie - a chef - who ran away and changed her name because she has a stalker who wants her to be his wife in CHRIST - he tried to kill her - and that has made her mistrustful of men - especially strangers - in walks the town police officer - they start to warm up to each other - especially when they find out that the stalker has gotten out of jail and is wanting to get to Maggie - so what happens next? you will not believe it if I tell you. You have to see it - read it - for yourself it is amazing.

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I loved this book. It was suspenseful, adorable, well written, everything I love in a book. Highly recommend this book. It does mention alcohol a couple places, so if you don't want to read that then you may want to skip it. I don't like to read about that but I just tried to overlook it because it was such a good read!

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What a wonderful heartwarming romance filled with suspense. I especially loved Maggie. She was such a strong woman, but at the same time her vulnerabilities and fears were highlighted by the psychopath stalking her. I have never read books by C.E. Hilbert, but I feel this is someone to watch. I really loved the suspense part of this romance. It kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the stalker would strike next. I'm not sure how to classify this book, because for me it is pretty much past suspense and into psychological thriller with the added bonus of a wonderful romance.

This author is firmly placed into my to-be-read list of authors and I cannot wait for the next book.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Fun read with witty banter between the main characters. Enjoyable Christian romance. I loved the bakery. A little too sweet, but the suspenseful elements helped to balance that out.

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