She’s baking her way to holiday glory. He’s just trying to keep his sister’s dog alive. Love was never on the recipe card… until now.

Stephanie Fields has one goal this Christmas—turn her family’s bakery, Sugar & Spice, into Hollybrook’s holiday hotspot by winning the coveted Christmas Eve Cookie Tasting Contest. With peppermint bark, gingerbread masterpieces, and frosted sugar cookies stacked high, she’s determined to bring joy—and customers—back to her late grandmother’s kitchen.

But when a big-city stranger and his anxious dachshund keep showing up at her bakery, Stephanie’s plans start to crumble faster than shortbread in a snowstorm.

Jack Carter never expected to spend the holidays in a charming small town, let alone dog-sitting his sister’s overly dramatic pup. But when Tessa the dachshund takes a shine to a certain bakery (and its warm-hearted, flour-dusted owner), Jack finds himself caught up in a flurry of twinkling lights, holiday traditions, and unexpected sparks.

As Christmas draws near, Jack receives a career-changing job offer back in New York, and Stephanie must decide whether to protect her heart or take a leap of faith. Will they discover that the real magic of the season isn’t just sugar and spice—but a love that was there all along?

Perfect for fans of small-town holiday romance, dog lovers, and readers who crave uplifting stories with genuine characters and Christmas cheer. FREE in Kindle Unlimited.