Title: Shortbread Cookie Princess
Author: Zelda Benjamin
Genre: Sweet Romance
Book Blurb:
Sophia MacLennan Porter grew up in an environment of wicked duplicity with a stepmother who was nice to dad and mean to his daughter. A series of events brings her to the upstate New York town of Highland Falls and her late aunt's bakeshop. Highland Falls is a town of Scottish descendants, well-kept secrets, and the best shortbread cookies for miles. No one in this town is immune from the secrets of their ancestors or greedy developers.
When Ian Campbell, a handsome Scottish research professor appears in her life, she struggles with the chance to put romance on the menu. Sophia is more concerned with the future of her bakeshop than the lives of her dead ancestors. Reluctantly, she finds herself drawn into his investigation of the history of her family's clan.
Excerpt:
Delicious holiday smells overpowered Sophia senses the moment she stepped inside the B and B. Tonight was about being with friends. She pushed all thoughts of her conversation with Ian from her mind. “Hmm, spiced cider.” She walked over to the stove and inhaled deeply. “Cinnamon, anise, cloves, and something else…”
“Cardamom.” Ian stood beside her. He stirred the pot and scooped two pieces of ginger onto a wooden spoon. “It’s a family favorite. We’ll add some rum before it’s served.”
Sophia gave him a weak smile. She had no favorite family recipes to share. Her stepmother wasn’t much of a cook. No matter the occasion, Sophia prepared simple dishes she could heat quickly.
“Keep stirring.” Ian handed her the spoon. “Don’t taste before it’s done. I’m going to wash and change before dinner.”
“Is everyone dressing for dinner?” Sophia watched him disappear up the kitchen staircase.
“Not at all.” Fiona adjusted her apron. “Some of my guests belong to a cross-country ski club and are comfortable in joggers and jeans.”
“Hope I’m not over-dressed.” Sophia gave the liquid a final stir and placed the spoon in the sink. With her hands free, she smoothed an imaginary wrinkle from her skirt. She chose her outfit carefully—a winter-white wool skirt and a muted-red sweater with just a hint of sparkle.
“You look more than fine, lass,” Ian shouted from the top of the stairs.
“Now he’s a fashion expert, too?” Fiona winked at Sophia. “You look very nice.”
“Can I help?” Sophia reached for an apron.
“Would you mind taking these out to the guests?” Fiona handed her the tray of Scotch eggs in exchange for the apron. “Then I want you to relax and enjoy the evening. Ian will be down soon enough. You’ve both been working hard.” She smiled. “I made him promise no research talk.”
“Let’s see how long he can hold that promise,” Sophia said. Torn between her uncertainty regarding Granny’s book and her spiked curiosity, she promised not to let it ruin her evening. Christmas should be about fun, food, and family—not ghosts from her past. She carried the tray into the dining room. Tonight, she’d make up for all the holidays she never spent with a real family.
Holiday glitter and twinkling lights on the fresh-cut tree gave the room a magical sparkle. A soft Christmas soundtrack played in the background. Fiona’s guests consisted of a redheaded family of four, a young couple in matching holiday sweaters, and the group of skiers. They gathered around the punch bowl and enjoyed a rosy-red cup of holiday cheer.
Sophia surveyed the room. Every detail exemplified her idea of a true family Christmas. Bright, plaid stockings hung from the fireplace mantel—one for each guest. She felt like she’d stepped into a children’s picture book full of holiday colors, a roaring fire, and an exuberant storyteller. A comment from one of the skiers brought her attention back to the group. She watched Ian mesmerize the guests with animated hands and a lively energy.
“Must be getting a bit toasty under that kilt,” another skier asked.
“Aye, lad. It can get a bit drafty, too.” Before anyone could ask any personal questions about his kilt, Ian waved a hand toward the sporran hanging from his belt.
“You’ve got no pockets, mister. Can you put your cell phone in there?” One of the little redheads tugged on the kilt and pointed to the pouch.
“Aye, lass. There’s room for some chocolate, too.” He winked and signalled for her to dig in. “A kilt has no pockets. That’s why I wear a sporran. Sporran is Gaelic for purse. Reach inside and see what you find.”
The little girl reached in and pulled out a candy bar.”
Across the room, Sophia noticed Curly-Head sitting at the edge of her seat. She nudged Fiona. “Should we help your brother before someone’s ringlets get stuck someplace they shouldn’t?”
“He’s got it. He’s in his element.” Fiona led her to the spiced punch bowl.
The bowl shimmered under a string of white lights. Everything was magical. She watched Ian play the room. Although, the group was nothing like the tea ladies, they were just as dazzled by his charm.”
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What I love most about the holiday season:
My list is endless—the colors, the scents, the family holiday recipes, and even the silly holiday sweaters. I always attempt to recreate my mother’s sugar cookies. No matter how hard I try, I can never quite get the taste of those sweet, buttery cookies. It’s a tradition that brings my family together in the kitchen. Does your family have a favourite holiday recipe?
Most of all, the holidays are about family getting together.
Yet, as the season draws to a close, a tinge of sadness sets in when the last of the twinkling lights are taken down, marking the end of another year of festivities.
Why is your featured book a must-read to get you in the holiday mood?
It’s never too late to experience the joy, the laughter, and the warmth of family holiday gatherings.
The day before Christmas Eve, Sophia and Ian work late into the night creating a dazzling holiday window display. In the morning, the residents of Highland Falls are dazzled by the winter-white iced cookies and the twinkling lights.
With a stepmother who was less than jolly and a loving father who was committed to his patients, Sophia’s Christmas Days were often lacking the merriment of the holiday. But little did she know, a transformation was about to unfold.
As she joins Ian for Christmas dinner at his sister’s B and B, Sophia discovers a spirit of togetherness. Strangers and family, despite their busy schedules, gather to celebrate, share stories, and exchange carefully chosen gifts, reminding her of the true essence of the season.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs July 1 – 31, 2024
Drawing will be held on August 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Zelda Benjamin is the author of the Love by Chocolate series and Highland Falls series. She lives in Florida with her husband and a very active Labrador mix. She worked as a nurse and wrote articles for various nursing journals. She always loved telling stories and expanded her repertoire to include writing romance novels that feature contemporary themes with sweet and sensual undertones, always concluding with a delightful happily ever after. When not writing she loves to travel with family.
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