THE SUGAR AND SPICE BOOKSHOP BAKERY

Charming and moreish... an uplifting, delicious treat of a book' Cressida McLaughlin, author of A Cornish Love Story

'Book and cake lovers alike will enjoy indulging in this cosy romance' Lily Chen, author of The Matcha Maker Cafe

Louise Dearnley has spent her life editing perfectly neat love stories, where heartbreak leads to fresh starts, charming small businesses bloom, and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.

But now in her forties, she's quit her job – and no, she doesn't want to talk about why – and returned home to Applethwaite, the small Yorkshire village where she grew up. Starting over doesn't feel nearly so much fun in real life as it does in fiction.

It also doesn't help that her mother is convinced she's here to run the family bakery, especially as the locals can't get enough of Louise's legendary ginger cake and scrumptious scones. Between renovations, a quirky ex-stepdaughter (who's unexpectedly come to stay) and a gorgeous Italian who seems too good to be true, Louise's second chance begins to take shape.