Books & Spoons Review for BAKING FOR KEEPS by Jessica Gilmore

Lacey Hathaway has it all — a job she loves as a local radio DJ, a home with her adored, eccentric aunt and, best of all, a community after a childhood traveling with her musical parents. So what if her life is a little too safe? Marietta is everything to Lacey. Not only is she helping to organize the Bachelor Bake-Off and filming a documentary about the process, she’s also volunteered her brother as a Bachelor. But, when her brother backs out, Lacey has to find a last-minute replacement. And who better than her aunt’s lodger, gorgeous – if taciturn – Zac Malone?

Zac’s not exactly community-minded. In fact, he makes it clear that the sooner he’s out of Marietta the better. But when Lacey persuades him of the powerful impact the Bake-Off funds will have on local children, he decides to give it a go. On one condition. If he has to learn to bake, so does disaster-in-the-kitchen Lacey. Desserts aren’t the only thing heating up, and as the attraction flares and Zac makes plans to leave, Lacey’s beginning to realize that maybe there is a world beyond Marietta’s borders after all… if she’s brave enough to take that step.

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I'm really enjoying this Bachelor Bake Off series, even though it has driven me into a baking frenzy. And understandably today it was an apple cinnamon cake because that's what reminded Zac of Lacey... 
This series is sweet, clean, and has that Marietta family focus on them, at least on the books I have read so far. 
I enjoyed that in Baking For Keeps the author brought forward more about the Harry's House, that the money is collected for, and in a practical way showed how it could change a young person's life, what the impact of the house could be in the community. 
Zac Malone came from outside Marietta, and I liked that there's new blood coming into the town. Zac was a serious, goal-oriented person. He has a kind and caring heart if he just gives it a freedom to get attached. He had it tough when he was a teenager, and promised himself to make a better life, and that goal in mind he had lived his whole adult life. He was not the settling down type, he was not going to share his life with anyone, to get attached, he was not going to get rejected and hurt like that again.
Lacey Hathaway's family lived the nomad life from one music show or concert hall to the next. She had always longed for a home and have found a place where she feels that, with her aunts. Lacey is always ready to help others, she has a heart of gold. Talking to others and making them feel comfortable around her comes naturally to her, but sharing her inner thoughts and personal life isn't something she is comfortable with. She hides behind the bubbly and cheerful exterior, still holding others at the distance.
I liked Lacey and Zac together, the connection and chemistry between was just right. The things they did around the town reminded me why I love visiting Marietta so much. The conversations they had, the way they challenged each other to be more, to step out of the comfort zone gave an in-depth look at them, and their development through the story. 
If you like stories that are adorable and delightful, that will make you smile and sigh, that are clean in content with tender and gentle first steps into the relationship, (and that just might give you the urge, desire, and craving to bake,) you are going to love Baking For Keeps. 
~ Four Spoons

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