Shades of Chocolate by Cecelia Dowdy

Jason Matthews is working through his anger and loneliness after his mom dies. His father wants him to learn more about the corporate side of their baking business, instead of working in the kitchen baking. He travels, acquiring family owned bakeries. He decides to take a vacation and spends it in the town of Blue Spring.

Toni Brown owns a bakery, Shades of Chocolate, in Blue Spring. She is struggling to move on after being hurt by her fiancée. She is struggling with her faith in God. When Jason shows up just when she needs help with vandalism, can she trust Jason to be there for her? Can she learn to rely on God?

Jason is drawn to Toni. She’s been hurt, doesn’t trust God, and has been receiving threatening phone calls. Jason wants his father’s approval, which doesn’t include working in a bakery. He enjoys his time with Toni, but when he has to go back home, can they forge a future together? He wants to show her God loves her and that going through the hard times can be made easier by leaning on God.

Everybody deals with grief and anger differently. Can God heal Jason’s relationship with his father before it’s too late? Will Toni learn to lean on her faith in God when bad things happen? This book was a great read. Readers will be able to relate to the characters’ struggles and questions about God to find a closer relationship with God for themselves.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

http://www.amazon.com/Shades-Chocolate-Bakery-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B018HDU9AC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458659394&sr=8-1&keywords=shades+of+chocolate

Raspberry Kisses by Cecelia Dowdy

I loved this book by Cecelia Dowdy! It's a sweet Christian romance with lots of decadent bakery creations throughout the story. Rhea and Raven Simms are twin sisters. Rhea's husband died two years ago. He was a pastor and she has vowed to never fall in love with another minister.

Martin Lane is a minister asked to speak at a retreat. What is it about Rhea that draws him to her? She looks just like Raven, a lady that has been chasing him relentlessly to go out with him. Which sister will he choose?

Rhea's bakery can't compete with the new store that sells bakery items. She is losing money and can't pay her bills. Raven has been in an accident and needs Rhea's help. She wants Rhea to go to a Christian retreat in her place to spy on the pastor, not to switch places but to spend time with him to see if he is dating someone else. In exchange, Raven will give Rhea the money she needs for her rent and past bills.

But what happens when Raven starts to have feelings for Martin? Can she tell Raven the truth or will the truth keep her from giving her the promised money? Martin has offered to help Rhea with her bakery so it will turn a profit. Rhea's faith had dimmed after Stan's death. Can she rekindle her faith in God and love?

Martin wants the lead pastorship position at his church, but a new congregant has accusations about his past and his ability to lead. Will she be able to keep him from doing what he feels God has called him to do? He feels that if he is voted in it would be God's seal of approval.

Haunted by his past, trying to overcome it, can Martin learn that he's forgiven and rest in God's forgiveness and love? Can Rhea and Martin see their love for one another, or will Raven keep them apart? Can they overcome their obstacles and find the love God has for them?

Scriptures are interwoven throughout Raspberry Kisses for an encouraging faith-filled romance. I look forward to more books by Cecelia Dowdy.

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