The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
In The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living, Louise Miller tells the story of Olivia “Livvy” Rawlings. She’s a talented pastry chef in Boston whose life goes sideways when a flambéed dessert causes a fire. Embarrassed and burnt out, she heads to Guthrie, Vermont, to stay with her best friend Hannah. There she starts working at the Sugar Maple Inn, owned by Margaret Hurley. Livvy moves into a sugarhouse on the property with her overly enthusiastic dog, Salty. She’s hired to help Margaret win back the inn's blue ribbon at the county fair apple pie contest. As Livvy settles into this rural life—complete with banjos, fiddles, apple orchards, and community events—she meets Martin McCracken, a local man returned home to care for his father. She also faces a new arrival in town that makes her question whether she should run again—or finally stay and find what belonging really means.
Why I Love This Book
I love the cozy yet honest feel of the story. I love how baking becomes therapy for Livvy. I love how the small-town setting smells like apples, hears banjos, and feels like a warm hug. I love how Livvy’s journey is quiet but real—she isn’t fixing the world, she’s just trying to fix herself. I love the way the romance unfolds with gentle tension. I love that Martin isn’t a cliché; he’s caring, grounded, realistic. I love the quirky characters around her—Margaret in her sweater-sets, the local folks, and Salty’s comic energy. I love how the novel reminds me that sometimes the thing we didn’t expect is the life we actually want. I find myself craving a slice of pie and a front-porch chair every time I finish the last page.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like stories about finding home, heartfelt romance, and characters who heal instead of fight, you’ll like this. It’s for readers who enjoy small-town romance, chef characters, and cozy settings that feel lived-in. It’s great for anyone craving a warm read with a side of baking descriptions, community events, and slow emotional growth.
⚠️ Trigger warning: If the idea of an accidental fire or a professional mishap stresses you, approach this one gently. The novel handles it softly, but the cause of Livvy’s move is still a moment of trauma.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, culinary romance, small town, found family, second chance (with self), slow burn, sweet romance, stand-alone, bakery, comforting read, indie romance, holiday/seasonal feel, small town life, baking, emotional healing, friends to lovers (with Martin)—though it grows organically instead of troped-up
Steam Level
The spice is just right for a cozy romance. The sensual tension is there. There’s chemistry, quiet moments, some longing—but it stays warm, gentle, and not graphic. It feels like comfort food rather than fireworks.
