Captured On Film.: Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay by Eliza J Scott

Monday, 7 July 2025

Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay by Eliza J Scott

Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

Every night, Jasmine Ingilby dreams of delicate sugar flowers and perfectly swirled buttercream. By day, she steals moments between her cleaning shifts to craft stunning cakes from her tiny kitchen, hoping to transform her passion into something more. But as a fiercely independent single mother of two, finding time to grow her fledgling business feels like reaching for the impossible.

Just when her hard work seems about to pay off, Jasmine’s carefully balanced world begins to crumble. Her landlord puts a ‘For Sale’ sign outside her rented home. Then a figure from her past returns to town, reopening old wounds Jasmine thought had long healed and causing trouble at school for her young children.

Then Max Grainger – her childhood best friend – unexpectedly returns to Micklewick Bay after twenty-five years away, and Jasmine is blindsided by the emotions his presence stirs. Now a successful businessman with a son of his own, Max seems determined to solve all her problems. But years of self-reliance have built walls around Jasmine's heart that even the sweetest gestures struggle to break through.

Will Jasmine's fear of getting burned again stop her from accepting help when she needs it most? Or will the loyal support of her friends help her discover the perfect recipe for love?

A heartwarming, emotional read about second chances, friendship, and finding the courage to believe in yourself, perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Jenny Colgan, and Phillipa Ashley.

What did I think?

I haven't been reading much of late - far too much going on not leaving much headspace for fiction. But last week I accepted an offer on my wee house and whilst I am now up to my eyes with packing boxes and trying to downsize - I will hopefully find some quiet moments to read again.

This book is the 5th book in the Micklewick Bay series - it was a delightful and easy read - just what I needed. I loved returning to the bay and as someone with a sweet tooth all the cake descriptions were just delicious.

I loved the main character of Jasmine - feisty and determined - she stands up for what she believes in and will fight to protect her little family. She hasn't had it easy so I can totally sympathise why she was so wary of a relationship with Max. Unfortunately I know from bitter experience that it is so hard to trust again - but I am so glad she take the leap of faith and hopefully it will lead to a happy ever after. Who doesn't love a happy ending.

Micklewick Bay sounds idyllic and returning was like going back to a familiar holiday destination and meeting up with friends on each return visit. It was a charming an uplifting read.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F3DGL2LX

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3DGL2LX

Author Bio – Eliza J Scott lives in North Yorkshire with her family and has wanted to be a writer as far back as she can remember. She is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming stories based on romance and friendship with a generous dollop of community spirit and a hint of humour. She has written fifteen novels (including this one) and has been an Amazon UK Kindle bestseller.

When she’s not writing, Eliza can usually be found with her nose in a book or working in her garden doing a spot of plot wrangling (of the writing variety), and battling against the weeds. The weeds, unfortunately, are currently winning but Eliza is undeterred. Roses are amongst her favourite flowers and she doesn’t need much of an excuse to visit a plant centre, where a new rose always seems to mysteriously find its way onto her trolley much to her husband’s astonishment.

Eliza also enjoys having a catch-up with friends over tea and cake, as well as bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop – for yet more tea and cake!