When you jam enchanted ingredients, a rising romance, and a fiery ex
into one baking competition, there’s sure to be a burnt tart or two.
Rowan has held the title of Best Baker in Brindlewood for five years, perfecting recipes instead of risking his heart again after being burned by love. But with the annual bake-off around the corner and a charming new rival across the square, Rowan finds that this year’s contest might be his most stirring yet. Especially when a flame from his past shows up, adding more heat than he bargained for.
Serena Rose left her quiet town behind for a fresh start and opens her own magical pastry shop just in time to join the village’s beloved baking competition. She offers a welcoming smile, cosy flavours, and stirs magic into her recipes as easily as she does sugar. What Serena doesn’t expect is the flurry of gossip, the surprise of true belonging, or the local baker whose warm brown eyes prove more distracting than any recipe gone wrong. As cakes rise and tempers flare, it’s not just the title on the line. But perhaps something even sweeter. Chocolate, Pastries and a Dash of Love is a cosy, romantic tale filled with buttery layers, magical mishaps, and a rivalry baked to perfection.
Beschikbaarheid
available
Originele titel
Chocolate, pastries and a dash of love...
Categorieën
Publicatiedatum
14-02-2026
Publicatie jaar
2026
Uitgeverij:
Reading Age
18+
Totaal aantal pagina's
257
ISBN
9789465091815 / 978-94-650-9181-5
Formaat
Paperback
Land
Nederland
Taal
English
Print Lengte
228 pages
Lezers feedback
A hug in a book
This was such an adorable, sweet and fun, hug in a book that could not have come at a better time. It was easy to...Lees verder
Maaike Nota
A hug in a book
This was such an adorable, sweet and fun, hug in a book that could not have come at a better time. It was easy to read and had me turn pages without stopping, because I was completely engrossed in this magical story that made me fall in love with Serena and Rowan and the cute town that is Brindlewood.
I was lucky to have just won a chocolate bar from the opening at the supermarket nearby because you will crave sweetness and you’ll be filled with inspiration to try and recreate some of these delicious recipes that are described so beautifully. The added element of magic that ensures Serena’s baked goods can fill people with emotions that will help them process and get through certain aspects of their lives is so sweet. And the other magical component that is specific to the town she’s from will tug on your heartstring, and will make you wish you are from there 🩷
Maaike Nota
This book is a real pageturner
Chocolate, pastries and a dash of love is the English debut of S. van Toor. I have read her Dutch debut, Fluister, and I truly enjoyed it....Lees verder
Boekensteeg
This book is a real pageturner
Chocolate, pastries and a dash of love is the English debut of S. van Toor. I have read her Dutch debut, Fluister, and I truly enjoyed it. I couldn’t wait to dive into this cosy romance, but what will S. van Toor have in store for her readers? Will this book be just as good as I expected it to be?
In the storyline, you’ll follow Serena, a magical pastry chef who is opening her pastry shop in Brindlewood. With the annual baking competition right around the corner, this seems to be her moment to shine. However, she isn’t the only one wanting to win. Rowan has helt the title of Best Baker for the last five year. His baking is truly great even though he doesn’t use magic. But can he cope with the competition? What if Serena and Rowan grow closer over their love for baking?
This book is really cute! It has some magical mouthwatering baking as well as a cute romance. Even though I know the baking creations are made up, I would really love to try one of Serena’s autumn macarons. This book is a lot about baking, but also has a great storyline underneith.
S. van Toor has an amazing writing style and has created loving characters. I really loved the addition of the jealous ex-girlfriend, but also have a really soft spot for Serena’s little helper. The background of pastry backer of this author really shines through the pages and I loved to see the love for pastry coming forth so well.
Slow burn romance, he falls first, the boy next door and magical baking, this book just has it all! I truly devoured Chocolate, pasties and a dash of love. This book is a real pageturner and I just couldn’t put it down. I would highly recommend reading this story to those looking for a romance to swoon over. I really enjoyed reading and give Chocolate, pasties and a dash of love a 4,5 star rating.
Boekensteeg
Vlotte en beeldende schrijfstijl
Chocolate, pastries and a dash of love van Shannon van Toor is een heerlijk boek dat zich afspeelt in een gezellige en magische setting, waarbij...Lees verder
Kirsty Kerssen
Vlotte en beeldende schrijfstijl
Chocolate, pastries and a dash of love van Shannon van Toor is een heerlijk boek dat zich afspeelt in een gezellige en magische setting, waarbij je het gevoel krijgt dat je er zelf bij bent!
Het verhaal volgt Rowan en Serena die worden geconfronteerd met liefde, veranderingen, nieuwe kansen en een jaloerse ex, waarbij chocolade, gebak en een jaarlijkse bakwedstrijd met een twist een zeer belangrijke rol spelen.
Het boek is een plezier om te lezen: het leest vlot, prettig en geeft je dat fijne, positieve gevoel, ondanks die jaloerse ex dus. Meteen vanaf de eerste pagina’s werd ik mee getrokken het verhaal in en was ik heel benieuwd hoe het verder zou gaan. Shannon heeft een vlotte en beeldende schrijfstijl waardoor de personages goed tot hun recht komen, van hun lieve tot tenenkrummende kanten. Ik heb ervan genoten!
Shannon, super tof dat ik mee mocht doen aan je blogtour! En ik ben heel benieuwd wat je nog meer gaat schrijven.
Kirsty Kerssen
Zin in koekjes
S. van Toor heeft wederom een heerlijk feelgood boek geschreven. Je waant je gedurende het lezen in de bakkerij omringd door heerlijke gebakjes, broodjes en...Lees verder
Tisboekntied
Zin in koekjes
S. van Toor heeft wederom een heerlijk feelgood boek geschreven. Je waant je gedurende het lezen in de bakkerij omringd door heerlijke gebakjes, broodjes en chocola.
Het liefdeskoppel Rowan en Serena krijgen het een en ander voor hun kiezen veroorzaakt door de jaloerse ex van Rowan… Komt het goed? Blijven ze bij elkaar?
En dan is er ook nog eens een bakwedstrijd waaraan ze uiteraard allebei mee gaan doen. Ben jij team Serena of team Rowan?!
Het enige nadeel aan dit boek:
IK HEB NU ZIN IN KOEKJES 😉
#blogtour #magical #feelgoodbook #romancereader #love #chocolate