The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a second chance romance, set in a small town, even though a lot of the key action takes place in New York.
Kelly and Andrew were engaged – they were going to get married and open a restaurant together. All that changed when Andrew was offered the chance of a lifetime to go to Paris and study under the greatest chefs in the world. They tried to make it work, but eventually, they had to give up. Kelly heartbroken, threw herself into her baking. Andrew, likewise, threw himself into his training.
The book takes places seven years later when Andrew comes home for a brief visit. Kelly runs a successful bakery now and isn’t likely to move. Andrew is established as a chef. The story is about how they navigate their feelings for each other and the wildly divergent paths their careers have taken.
This is an adorable read. As it’s from Hallmark, it’s a sweet romance, with low levels of angst, which was just what I needed. Both Kelly and Andrew are a good mix of ambition and caring. And the cakes! The cake descriptions made me so hungry. It’s not a book to read when you’re on a diet. If you’re a fan of the Great British Bake Off (or the British Baking Show or whatever it’s called now), then you’ll love this book.
Rhoda Baxter 