Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles (Christmas Cookies)

Suddenly out of work after being let go from her Manhattan law firm, Bella Simonetti returns to her hometown to discover her parents’ business is having difficulties. Despite her own unemployment issues, Bella throws herself into helping her parents, even if it means having to put up with Dean Jackson, a not-so-fond memory from her youth. However, once Bella sets out to turn the family business into a cookie shop, Dean pitches in and his kindness becomes difficult to ignore.

Red Velvet Crinkles and Christmas Sprinkles is part of the Christmas Cookie series from The Wild Rose Press. A short novella, it’s filled with holiday spirit and a really good cookie recipe. What it is lacking though is a bit more of Bella’s work-related struggle so that the reader can get a better feel for her personality, other than her obvious feelings toward the ‘old’ Dean. The fact that Bella is keeping mum about her job loss, and her parents are not forthcoming about their struggles gave the story a bit of depth. Bella’s ability to change course in her professional life also shows just how much she’s matured since she crushed on Dean in her youth. She’s able to set aside professional ambition for a chance at a small-town life. Once Bella and Dean admit their attraction, the romance truly begins. While all the holiday prerequisites are there, another chapter or epilogue to solidify the happily-ever-after would have been welcome. Still, if you’re a fan of holiday romance, this one is sure to fill your sweet tooth.

N.E. Kelley