NOW A HALLMARK CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE! Love is like a perfect recipe… You never want to lose it. Years ago, Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York were engaged and dreaming of opening a restaurant together. Then he chose an opportunity to study in Paris over the small-town life they’d planned, and their romance came to a bittersweet end. But Kelly’s doing fine. She’s not only the owner of a …
But Kelly’s doing fine. She’s not only the owner of a potbellied pig named Gray, but also of her own bakery. Business is good–so good that she’s invited to compete in a Valentine’s Day bake-off. As she prepares for the contest, she tries not to get distracted by Andrew’s visit to town.
When Andrew sees Kelly, it stirs up his old feelings. Little does he know that soon, in New York, he’ll compete against her in the bake-off…and they’ll both realize how much their past is a part of them still.
This irresistible romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Honey Almond Cake with Berries and Mascarpone Crème Fraiche.
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Read it before watching the Hallmark movie. Great book, excellent movie!
So sweet.
I Loved this story and all of the characters. I enjoyed finding out what the “Secret Ingredient” was. All of the recipes sounded delicious. I enjoyed the baking contest and all the details (behind the scenes) that go into putting the show on television.
I am looking forward to the movie version of this book/story.
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.
This new entry from Hallmark Publishing was a refreshing and enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and well-defined people, who behaved in a good-humored and well-intentioned manner towards others. The author gave great description to let me picture things in my mind. The mood was light and fun-loving, and moved predictably (in a good and delightful way) towards the anticipated outcome. The romance aspect is clean and sweet and I can recommend it for teens to seasoned citizens.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
Great story with a cute ending. What could be sweeter than romance and baking? Add an adorable pet micro pig and a Valentine’s Day culinary contest to the ingredients and it’s the perfect complement to this delightful and entertaining story. I listened to the audio and the narrator’s voice is as seductive and sweet as the creations coming out of the bakery. If you love baking and love romance, this story will satisfying your sweet tooth!
The Secret ingredient is the latest book by Nancy Naigle. Kelly McIntyre had her heart broken by former fiancé Andrew York when he chose the opportunities offered him at French cooking schools while staying with his aunt who lived there. Andrew has done well. In fact, so well he hasn’t been home in 7 years.
Meanwhile in those 7 years, Kelly has followed the dreams they had made together. Although not formally trained, she has not only opened her own bakery, but has also opened a very successful internet presence for her baked goods. She has purchased the dilapidated buildings adjacent to her parent’s Main Street cafe, turning it from an eyesore to her factory and profitable rentals, bringing jobs and renewal to downtown Bailey’s Fork, NC.
The tv food competition Four Square is about to hold their big Valentines bake-off. Chefs from all over have been nominated. Chef Andrew and master baker Kelly have both been tapped but neither knows the other one was. All participants are sworn to secrecy. Before the challenge begins the first week of February, Andrew, unannounced, comes home to Bailey’s Fork to see his family. They are so excited to see him and sister Dawn throws a party to welcome Andrew home. Dawn is sure to order desserts and service from Kelly so that Andrew and Kelly can cross paths. And Dawn is sure to make this happen even more.
Meanwhile, the producers from the competition pay a special visit to Kelly in her bakery. She is in the company of her assistant and friend, Sara, when the offer is made to her to compete. She is sworn to secrecy but at least has her friend in on the ruse.
Both parties head to NYC for the exciting competition. The conclusion is unexpected and the fun of the story will make the reader smile. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
This is a typical Hallmark type story with a happy ending and feel good moments.
Kelly McIntyre and Andrew York were happy and engaged to be married. They had their future planned out and were happy with their life together. They enjoyed creating new recipes and spending time in the kitchen. Then, Andrew was given the opportunity to go to France for six months to be trained by a world famous pastry chef. He couldn’t pass up the opportunity and he promised nothing would change. Then he decided to stay and continue in the culinary training in France. That ended their relationship and broke off their engagement.
Seven years later, Andrew is back in Bailey’s Fork, North Carolina, for a short visit and he is determined not to see anyone but his family while he is in town. Then, his meddling sister arranges for a surprise welcome home party and invites most of the town, including Kelly, who had no idea what she would be showing up for, other than to provide the desserts from her business, The Cake Factory.
Kelly had created a wonderfully successful business while staying put in their small hometown. Business was so good that she was invited to compete in a Valentine’s Day bakeoff with a winning prize of $100,000. She had been happy with the growth of her local business and its online presence but she wanted to experience the acknowledgement of her success by winning the contest.
Andrew worked under a famous chef in Paris in his flagship restaurant. He was very successful but didn’t have his own restaurant as he had always dreamed of. He knew he had really hurt Kelly but being back and seeing her and spending some time with her made him realize even more what matters most and how important love and family are. Would he be happy in such a small town? Would he miss the big city? He is heading to New York to compete in a world class competition and he is convinced that it will help him to make his dreams come true. Is it possible for him to be successful and get the girl or has that ship sailed and no longer possible?
This book was a sweet romance about two people who have a second chance and a small town who longs to support them and see a happy ending. The book has no foul language and is a joy to read.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
This book is so freakin’ cute if the publisher wasn’t already Hallmark I’d say it screams Hallmark. I loved the characters, I loved the story, I really enjoyed the baking competition. One of my favorite tropes is second chance romance and this was such a great one. Kelly and Andrew were highschool sweethearts they met at her dad’s diner he was the cook and she waited tables and baked they were kindred spirits. They had made plans to open a restaurant together but when the opportunity for Andrew to study baking in Paris came up he took it with a promise he’ll be back for their wedding. Andrew was then offered a spot in a culinary school and he never made it back home.
Kelly may not have had Andrew there to help fulfill her dreams but that didn’t stop her from going on alone; she started The Cake Factory. A custom cake business that made it big when a rockstar gave her a shout out at a local music festival since then the business has boomed, it’s even helped turn Bent Fork from a quaint little town to a place to be. Fast forward seven years Andrew is finally back stateside and visiting his family before he has to go to New York, he wanted to keep the visit quiet but his sister in her usual fashion couldn’t let him which turned out to be a good thing because he got to see Kelly again. The first time in seven years they see each other and his feelings for her haven’t changed or diminished in any way. Kelly would love nothing more than to give into her feelings for him but she knows he’s just going to leave again. He’s made a name for himself in France and while he may not have his own restaurant yet his life is in France and she can’t let him in to her heart only to watch him walk away again.
To Kelly’s surprise she gets invited to compete in her favorite bake-off competition show’s Valentine episode. The only stipulation is that she can’t tell anyone she going to be on it. Unbeknownst to her Andrew is also going to be on the show. Once in New York, Naigle builds the anticipation and creates the same feeling you get when watching a baking competition on T.V. She describes the action of the competition so well along with the mouth watering confections Kelly and Andrew make. I really wanted cake after reading this book. Overall, Naigle once again creates wonderful characters in a quirky small town and gives us a statifyingly good romance with such a sweet ending.
I’m fairly new to Nancy Naigle’s work, having only read one other book by her. But, that said, let me tell you this: she is amazing! Having the chance to read this delicious novel was so fun! I loved her writing style, the hope and the characters that are woven together, all of it! It was a phenomenal read!
Andrew and Kelly’s characters were awesome. I loved the way they were chiseled, and seeing them interact together really played out like it was a movie on the Hallmark channel. I truly love when a book can do that!
Andrew’s character was my favorite. I loved how he developed throughout the story, and seeing how things were when he returned home. Though I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure what to think of his breaking their engagement and traveling away. I wanted to shake him! But, I also saw how it needed to be like that to full feel the emotions of these awesome characters, to fully understand that it needed to be done so he could understand his true feelings.
This is most definitely a 4 star novel that I should high praises to. Andrew and Kelly needed just one thing from Naigle for this book……just one secret ingredient……..and she did it beautifully! Well done, Naigle. This is a keeper book on my shelf and I can’t wait to read more of your work!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*Nancy Naigle
The Secret Ingredient is a lovely small town second chance romance. The story encompasses seven years going back to the time when our couple were living their shared dreams until our hero leaves for pastry school in Paris.
Skip ahead seven years and a visit back home.
Will this reunion of this previously engaged couple lead to a renewal of feelings left behind by an ocean between them.
This Hallmark title is sure to make an excellent movie for the upcoming Valentines or another at a future date.
This gets 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Wonderful story about second chance love! Kelly & Andrew had their lives planned out. Get married & Andrew would run the cafe while Kelly did all the baking. Then Andrew received the chance of a lifetime. He won a scholarship to go to Paris & study. They both agreed he had to go. The problem is that he went & never came back. Now, seven years later, he’s come home for a short visit & is questioning everything he’s accomplished & what he had to give up to get there.
I really enjoyed this story & its characters. Kelly channeled her pain & anger into her career. Even though she didn’t have the fancy schooling & never left her hometown, she’s become quite a success. In some ways, she’s a bigger success than Andrew with his schooling & work in Paris. I loved that her pet is not a typical pet & is named Gray. That was a fantastic symbol. This was set around Valentine’s Day & is a great love story.
This delightful second chance romance was such a sweet story. I loved the small town setting and the characters, especially Kelly. The story had a good flow and just enough twists to keep it interesting. I loved all of the scenes set in the bakery and talking about baking and especially the baking competition. It was fun to get a behind the scenes look at a competition where none of the contestants know who they are baking against or what the others have made until after they had completed the challenge. The ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a sweet book, and I loved the descriptions of all the food. There was a lot I didn’t see coming, too. I was pleasantly surprised. Plus, a sweet happily ever after!
Could not put it down, read it in 2 days.
I enjoyed everything about this book.
This book was a joy to read. If you are looking for a clean, well written book that will hold your attention from the first page until the last, here it is. It has a wonderful sounding recipe at the end. I can’t wait to see this book as a Hallmark movie!
Cute story
So enjoyable with interesting characters. The food will make your mouth water!
Sweet is the best word to describe this book.
– Sweet characters.
– Sweet pet.
– Sweet story.
– Sweet baked goods.
Kelly and Andrew were high school sweethearts with a big dream in common, to open their own restaurant where to serve their recipes. But life had other plans for them and when Andrew decieded to stay in France to study with the best Chefs of the World they broke up,leaving an heartbroken Kelly behind. They didn’t see each other for a long time and when Andrew comes back to US for a short holiday he notices that his hometown has changed a lot thanks to Kelly’s resolve and great ideas.
Is their love still alive?Will they have enough time to find it out?
This book made my heart happy and my stomach growling.