The Christmas Bake Off

by Abby Clements

Genres: General Fiction; Contemporary Romance; Romantic Comedy

Synopsis

With Christmas just around the corner, the residents of Skipley village are gearing up for the annual bake off, and tensions are high. Winning means a lot to everyone involved - talented cake-shop owner Katie dreams of baking stardom, Rachel wants to prove she's more than a stay-at-home mum, and John hopes his culinary skills will impress the woman he loves. But when the judges discover that some cakes have been tampered with, the villagers' loyalties are called into question - whose ambition would stretch to sabotage, and why? The Christmas Bake Off is an exclusive short story from Abby Clements, author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. This ebook edition also includes bonus recipes for cinnamon cookies and vanilla and almond biscuits.

Release date: December 1, 2012

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Print pages: 25

Sample

Chapter One

Saturday, 23 December, 4.15 p.m.

‘Welcome everyone, to this year’s Christmas Bake Off,’ Diana announced proudly, clutching the microphone in her hand and looking out towards the eager crowd. Her ice-blonde hair was tied back in a neat French braid, and she was wearing her brightest fuchsia lipstick for the occasion.

Rachel Murray took in the festive scene. At the front of the hall was a long table decked out with gold fabric, and heavily laden with the bake off entries – towering layer cakes, gingerbread, macaroons, edible Christmas wreaths and other delicious-looking treats. Beside it stood Diana: her formidable neighbour, and the head of Skipley village’s WI.

‘I’m delighted to be judging today,’ Diana continued, ‘alongside a man who I’m sure will need no introduction – please give a warm round of applause for Joe Carmichael from TV’s Bake or Be Beaten!’ She took a step back and held out the microphone for Joe.

‘Bit of all right, isn’t he?’ the elderly lady next to Rachel whispered, nudging her and giving a cheeky giggle.

Rachel smiled and said quietly, ‘Too short for me. He’s all yours.’

Joe Carmichael, running a hand through his glossy black hair, smiled knowingly and took a step forward.

‘Thank you, thank you, Diana,’ he said, giving his fellow judge a wink. ‘Well, I’m delighted to be here in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales with you today, and I’m looking forward to tasting the entries. Looks like we have quite a feast in store.’

Joe gestured towards the cake table, and Rachel took a deep breath to calm her nerves. The air in the Village Hall was rich with the aromas of Christmas – ginger, spices and cinnamon blending with pine from the fairylit tree. Normally she’d be relaxed and enjoying the event, but this year was different – because there, right in the centre of the cloth-covered table. . .