Title: Shortbread Cookie Princess (Highland Falls Series book 1)
Author: Zelda Benjamin
Genre: Contemporary 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:
“Those are some tidy, wee cookies you’ve made.” Ian pointed to the rows of trays.
“You’re visiting from Edinburgh, aren’t you?” Sophia detected a posh lilt to his Scottish accent.
“Aye, lass. I lived there for a while. You’ve got a verra good ear for accents. Most Americans can’t tell an Irish accent from a Scottish. You have it pinpointed down to the city.”
“The accent’s familiar. My father lived in Edinburgh. Originally from Aberdeen, he received his medical education in Edinburgh. He had a similar accent.” She replaced the rolling pin she raised to defend herself when Ian entered unexpectedly through the back door.
“And you? Where are you from, lass? Your temperament doesn’t quite fit this peaceful little town.” He nodded at the rolling pin on the counter.
“Neither does yours.” She sensed a hint of mystery blended with an intelligent sophistication.
“Let me take an educated guess where you’re from.” Stroking his chin, he studied her closely. “You were raised in New York; Brooklyn to be exact.”
“A Brooklyn accent is easy to identify.” Self-conscious of his close attention, she brushed flour off her apron.”
“And your mother, was she a Scot like your father?” he asked.
“On her father’s side.” She got the impression he was searching for more than just the origin of her accent. The question seemed odd coming from someone she’d just met. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the rolling pin about to roll off the marble counter. She reached out to grab it.
Ian, an arm’s length away, caught it first.
“Dark hair, dark eyes, and a quick temper, I’d say you’ve got some dark-haired Irish in you. Most likely a descendant of the Spanish Armada.” He hesitated before handing her the rolling pin.
“I don’t know about a connection to the armada, but I’ve been told I have Irish ancestors some”
“I don’t know about a connection to the armada, but I’ve been told I have Irish ancestors somewhere along the line.” She shrugged and placed the rolling pin securely behind a mixing bowl. “Do you always guess at someone’s family history?”
“It’s connected to what I do for a living.” Ian shrugged.
“I’d like to hear all about it, but I’ve got cookies to bake and frost.” In spite of his odd interest in her genetic background, he had a cosmopolitan air she found refreshing. She placed a tray of sugar cookies in the oven and set the timer for fifteen minutes. He was breaking her rhythm.
The bell over the front door announced an early customer. Game over. The timely interruption saved her from having to answer more personal questions. Ian already knew more about her than she would offer to a stranger.”
Excerpt From: Zelda Benjamin. “Shortbread Cookie Princess.” iBooks.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
November is a time to be thankful. What are you most thankful for this year?
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. The food (it’s always about food) is the best and I get to spend the day with family and good friends. These are the people I can count on no matter what.
Why is your featured book worth snuggling up to?
Who wouldn’t like to snuggle up with cookies and tea and a man in a kilt? It’s a feel good story about finding where you belong.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon gift card
Open internationally.
Runs November 1 – 30
Drawing will be held on December 1.
Author Biography:
Zelda was a nurse who specialized in pediatrics and authored articles for various nursing publications. 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. She is currently editing book two in her Highland Falls series. In her leisure time, Zelda enjoys the opportunity to explore different cultures, cuisines, and destinations with her family.
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