Alaska has it all. It's charming, spacious, and a glorious three thousand miles away from my overbearing family.
Acclimating to the unyielding, harsh winters is supposed to be my biggest hurdle. Moving to a small town, settling in, and discovering myself anew are supposed to be my focus.
Unfortunately for me, once I arrive, I have a new king-sized mattress to move by myself. Oh, did I mention that I purchased food but overlooked buying a single pot or pan? I also inadvertently make the wrong assumption regarding the adorable little bakery in town.
How was I supposed to know the gorgeous, tall, blonde, well-muscled man whose shirt threatened to burst at the seams from his bulging biceps was actually THE Sugarplum Fairy, aka the town’s baker?
But when the former Army, Viking-God is everywhere I turn—always with a kind and helpful offer—my resolve crumbles like a pie crust.
Especially when Zac takes me on an unconventional date that ends with me pinned under his stormy gray eyes. And his lips slanted against my own.
The desire and need between us is more decadent than anything Zac bakes. And a hell of a lot more delicious.
I finally feel like I belong. Like I’ve found home. But as beautiful as that notion is, it doesn’t last.
With the busiest time of the year quickly approaching, I can’t fathom the idea of not spending it with Zac.
I might just need to concoct a Christmas miracle to show him how sweet things can be.
Piper Collins writes contemporary suspense to modern day royals; her books are packed with humor, emotion and a whole lot of sexiness.
Piper lives in the heat of the south. She enjoys reading, writing and naps. When she's not doing any of those things, you can find her spending time with her husband, son and their springer spaniel, Fiona.
You can follow her on Instagram @piper.collins.author or on TikTok @authorpipercollins
The Protectors of the Wild Series Book I: The Hunt Book II: Ashes to Fire Book III: Elements of Desire
Crown Prince Chronicle Novels Book I: Bastian Book II: Remy Book III: Kasper
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Culture Shock (a standalone romcom)
The Sugarplum Fairy: A small town, fish out of water Christmas romantic comedy
Chrysus Defense Series Book I: To Colombia, With Love
This was such a cute book with lots of giggles and laughs, and with just the right amount of spice. Spice level for me was about a 2.5 maybe 3🌶s. But I'm used to reading dark romance and just getting into the Rom-coms.
Ava is a big city girl who needed to set herself apart from her family and needed space to grow. Her family was in no way encouraging to her no matter what she did, even since she was a child. Often overlooked compared to her older sister.
She couldn't have moved to a more opposite lifestyle and further away from home, than moving to a very small town called Birch Hallow, Alaska. A big difference compared to the big San Francisco city life. But she was determined.
But what she didn't expect was to meet Zac, the towns hot, young, and very single owner of The Sugarplum Fairy bakery. Then again, there wasn't really a big selection of men in town close to her age. Let's just say the others were much older towns folk.
As she tries to settle in and get situated, she realizes that the move was not as easy as she thought it would be and was much less prepared than what she should have been.
Thank goodness for a strong man like Zac to be there to help her when needed. And the towns folks, Ira, Bette, and Alice to help as well, but in a much different way. They like to play match maker.
Now those 3 are quite the trio and have lived there thier whole life. They are witty, funny, and definitely set in their ways. Their interactions are the funniest parts of this story and you can't help but laugh. I absolutely love the light-heartedness of them all!! Those are the kind of people I would love to know in real life!!💖
Both Ava and Zac definitely come across some hurdles in thier lives, but they are there to hold each other up and determined to do whatever possible to see the other through those tough times. And even utilizing the assistance of the trio.
Do you wanna know what happens? If you're looking for a cute, funny, warm-hearted Rom-com, then this is the book for you!! I absolutely loved this book!! 💖
This was very sweet and cozy! Perfect wintry vibes. To be honest, this book is very low-stakes with a very light plot, however the characters and setting are wonderful. This is a small town contemporary romance with a cinnamon roll hero and eccentric side characters. There are some minor spoilers below so proceed with caution. Thoughts are scattered - sorry!
At the start of the story, Ava (the FMC) moves away from her toxic family in San Francisco to a very small and isolated town in Alaska. Ava is looking for something new in life and also looking for some sort of found family. Upon arriving in Alaska, she meets the MMC, Zac, an army veteran who owns his own bakery.
While Zac and Ava have some pretty immediate insta-lust (which I usually hate), I found their relationship extremely realistic. Usually in real life, girl meets boy, they click, they go on dates, and then they get together; not everyone needs to be an enemy to lover. It felt refreshing. However, I don't think Zac is a realistic character (what hot single guy wants to live in an isolated town where the entire population is over 70 years old...?). I did identify a bit with Ava because what romance reader hasn't romanticized the idea of moving to somewhere quiet and scenic to start over and spend time reading/baking etc.?
While I did get a little tired of the side characters interfering in their relationship (ahem Alice/Bette) and generally acting a bit immature and perverted (ahem Ira), I ended up liking them.
This book is generally very light on conflict. I did wish there was more closure with Ava's sister and parents; that aspect of Ava's story felt very open-ended. Did they ever visit her in Alaska or apologize for being awful to her? Does Zac ever learn how mean they are to Ava? It seems like Eddie just bailed Zac out, but Zac still doesn't understand the depth of how shitty Ava's family is (because she also never told him). I also wish we got a few extra scenes of Ava adjusting in Alaska - did she ever go to the "big city" aka Fairbanks? Did she meet Zac's best friend, Ben? Finally, it really seemed like there were literally 5 other people in their entire town (Ira, Alice, Bette, Alan, and Faye), so I was constantly trying to figure out who all of these bakery orders came from and why Zac's bakery was so busy every day in their isolated town.
Anyways, I'm glad I read this. It was sweet! It's a very short read, and it's very fluffy. It was exactly what I was in the mood to read on Christmas day.
Received this as an ARC, was my first time reading a book by Piper Collins and I was nothing but impressed! Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down, I loved the warm fuzzies and found family! Zac and Ava are adorable and the spice 🔥🔥was on point!! Definitely recommend!!! 5⭐️
*I received an advanced copy from Booksirens in exchange for a review. This was just an okay read for me. I think labeling this a Christmas romance is a misnomer. I believe Christmas is mentioned a handful of times and as a throw away. The family tension at the start of the story had no real impact except to get our main character to move away from them then we never go back to it. We get the small town vibe only from the busy bodies trying to play matchmakers. The romance was just handed to us without real build up.
This was a hilariously sweet Christmas Hallmark movie in book form with some added spice. I really enjoyed this ”fish out of water” story.
It was a great palette cleanser with low drama, the right amount of spice and several laughs out loud moments. I really loved the baker and tech nerd gender reversal. Ava and Zac’s relationship wasn’t exactly an insta-love, but it was definitely a fast whirlwind.
I loved them as a couple, but I will say Ira, Alice and Bette (although it was mainly Ira for me) stole the spotlight when they were around. Their elder snark, sassy, jokes and no filter for anything in any moment, are my favorite kind of people. These three definitely made me miss working at the nursing homes and goofing off with my residents! These three reminded of a few of the people I worked with.
I do wish that we would’ve gotten a few more events that were closer to and dealt with Christmas. I also wish that Ava would have finally gotten her Christmas wish from the beginning of the story too. I think that if Zac would’ve fulfilled that for her, it would’ve been an extra sweet addition. The main thing I wish I would’ve had answered was: Did she or Eddie finally tell her parents and sister off and give them the reality check they needed? Did she finally decide to wash her hands of their toxic relationship and only stay in touch with Eddie?
Aside from those three things, I really enjoyed this story. I’m excited to explore Piper Collins’ previous and future books.
I received an advanced readers copy via BookFunnel/the author. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.
This is an adorable Christmas hallmark movie wrapped up in a book with the perfect amount of spice! Ava decides to uproot her life from San Francisco and moves all the way to Alaska, and it’s there she meets hunky Zac, who is the owner of The Sugarplum Fairy bakery; they meet, and the rest is *chef’s kiss* I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was an easy read and something nice to dive into when snow is falling, it’s cold out and you’ve got a warm blanket and a nice cup of hot cocoa. She describes Alaska so beautifully and with so much depth that it felt like there was snow at my feet and the northern lights right above me. If you love Christmas, romance, meet cutes, hilarious side characters, spice, and good storytelling, you’ll definitely enjoy this book!
3.5 stars? A cute little hallmark movie…until about 50% and then BAM. Spicy spicy.
Found family will forever be a favorite trope of mine and this book is exactly that. Meddling elderly side characters are the icing on the cake (because he owns a bakery…get it?)
Although this book was a cute quick read, the characters felt a little flat for me. Neither had any real development. Everything was pretty surface level, which made the romance seem a little blah. But, the mmc was still a swoon worthy cinnamon roll (again…baker…I’m funny) that I would drool over if I walked into his shop.
I don’t regret reading it, but this book won’t make it into my holiday rotation.
This book was so heartwarming!!! How can you go wrong with a male bakery owner in Alaska?!?! This definitely gave Hallmark small town vibes. Zac and Ava are both amazing main characters, but the meddling townspeople will have you laughing out loud. This book has spice, friendship, love, community, angst and so much more!! I definitely recommend this book and it will be one that I will read again!!!
I didn't like it. It's hard to like a book in which you don't care for either of the main characters. And this was completely the case. I couldn't care less for any of them and their romance was so-so, also soso (that's dull in Spanish). I struggled at the beginning and considered abandoning it altogether, but I persisted. Anyways, I was bored most of the time. I didn't like the writing, at all. I get that people might like this book. It's not awful, it just doesn't have the magic that required a Christmas book. And I'm reading it during the holidays, like the timing couldn't be any better. It had some cute moments, but most of it were internal monologues I didn't care to read. I won't say don't read it, but just don't expect much.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Sugarplum Fairy. I adore a festive story especially one set in an picturesque winter location. The two main characters had the perfect chemistry, the banter and friendship between the other characters made this story so much better and I loved how they all found family in each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sugar and the perfect amount of spice makes this book really nice! This is the perfect cozy holiday read with characters everyone will love. I loved the joy and warmth that this book gave me.
This is an adorable book. I absolutely love the small town and the love that all the townspeople have for each other. I was so invested in everyone and can't wait for book 2 if there will be one.
3/5 stars 1.75/5 chili peppers This was a cute read. It was very slow at times and drug on. I would consider this a winter rom-com not a Christmas rom-com. It didn't give all the Christmas vibes that I would have expected from a Christmas romantic comedy. I thought this was an easy read and with a very light plot, perfect for a palate cleanser or just a cute winter read.
I am all about some cutesy holiday romances so when Piper Collins reached out to me about reviewing this book, I said yes. This is an adult, contemporary romance and I typically go for historical romances so it was fun to change things up.
The Sugarplum Fairy is like a Hallmark movie with a whole lot of spice. This book did many things right. I love the big city girl falling in love with the small town guy trope. I love that Zac is a tough veteran but also loves to bake and runs his grandmother’s bakery. I also loved the romance and felt the spice was well written. There were a few things that I wasn’t crazy about, though.
Almost none of the humor worked for me. The elderly side characters were obviously supposed to be funny but I found them to be corny and I skimmed most of the scenes with them in it. Ava also fell a bit flat for me. She claimed multiple times to be self sufficient and yet she moved to Alaska in the middle of the winter and didn’t buy snow boots or most of the things she needed for her home. Most of her goofy mishaps were to make her the damsel in distress for Zac and I don’t typically enjoy characters written in that way.
I also think there was a missed opportunity to bring things full circle. In the beginning of the book, child Ava is trying to convince her (horrible) family to get her a dog. They don’t because they’re the worst. I think it would have been so sweet for Zac to get her a dog at the end of the book but he doesn’t and because he doesn’t, that beginning scene only serves to show how awful her family is. There is also no resolution with her family so the beginning feels pointless.
It may sound like I didn’t enjoy this book but I really did. I loved Zac and Ava's relationship . I also thought the ending was really good and I wouldn’t mind reading another book about Zac and Ava’s life together.
If you’re looking for an adult holiday romance with a happy ending, you should pick this book up.
The Sugarplum Fairy is a small town contemporary romance featuring Ava Genereux and Zac Forrester.
Looking for a quieter way of life, Ava decides to move to Birch Hollow, Alaska. She doesn't know anyone there, but she doesn't care. She is excited for this new beginning. It is there that she meets Zac.
Birch Hollow is home for Zac. He left to serve in the army, but returned home to take over his grandmother's bakery, The Sugarplum Fairy bakery, after he completed his service. Not only does the bakery provide the people of the town with delicious homemade goods, but it also provides them with a space to hang out and chat. Zac loves it in Birch Hollow but the one thing he feels he is missing is a partner. Unfortunately, most of the residents of the small town are much older. How fortuitous that Ava chooses Birch Hollow to be her new home.
Zac is all to happy to help Ava out with whatever she needs. The more time they spend together, the closer they become and the door opens to allow for something more than friendship between the two.
This was such a fun story. Ava finally finds a place where she feels she belongs, as well as a quirky found family. Ava and Zac pair beautifully together, and support each other through their mutual struggles. I enjoyed their dynamic, and their shared spice.
The books has a bunch of funny and captivating side characters that further enhanced the reading experience. I would definitely recommend checking out this one.
Thank you so much to BookSirens for sending me a copy of The Sugarplum Fairy by Piper Collins!
I loved this so much, it honestly felt like I was reading a Hallmark Christmas movie book and I am all here for it.
Seeing Ava become a part of the Birch Hallow community and be taken in by Ira, Bette and Alice was so cute, such a perfect small town and everyone in it are adorable if only i could go there. Then Zac, the big buff sugarplum fairy, the token grandson, he was perfect for Ava i can only imagine the bear-hugs he'd give ;)
This was such a cosy and quick read i already want to reread it, every time i saw my reading progress go up i just wanted more chapters to be added, i need more of these characters and i absolutely want more of Jim, ngl for the first 49% of the book i was so confused as to who he actually was and when i found out who he was i was beside myself, so so cute.
If you are looking for a book to get you in the Christmas mood i would can not recommend this book more it is the perfect small town romance book!
The story was cute and I enjoyed it. But I wasn't a fan of the narrator keeping all voices male sounding. It was a bit hard to keep track of who was actually talking until the MMC name was mention and then I would kno whos chapter I was on.
The story overall was decently written. I liked the flow of the story. The story line was written with grace and didn't make you feel like you werent missing anything. This gave me Gilmore girl vibes.
Zac is a very kind man and always willing to provide a helping hand. Ava had a piece taken away of what everyone needs growing up!
Affection from her family..but she didn't make it keep her down and be bitter. She kept her light and smile about her and shared it with others.
I do wish the narrator had done a better job on the voices. He did the male voices ellexcent and u could tell each man was different which was good! The narrator had a fine voice to listen to and wasn't annoying.
This heartwarming tale is an absolutely adorable Christmassy delight! Ava's character radiates unwavering confidence as she embarks on a journey thousands of miles away from her familiar surroundings. In her new Alaskan town, she quickly becomes acquainted with the charming locals, and one individual stands out among them all – Zac, affectionately known as the Sugarplum Fairy. The moment they meet, a spark ignites, and their friendship blossoms into something truly magical.
Yet, life takes an unexpected turn as a heartbreaking loss challenges not only their budding romance but also their newfound friendship. Can Ava and Zac overcome these trials and embrace their very own Christmas miracle? To unveil the answer, you simply must dive into this enchanting story!
With breathtaking scenery, just the right amount of spice, and the enchantment of the Northern Lights, what more could one possibly desire? This tale is a captivating winter wonderland, and it's an absolute must-read for those seeking a dose of heartwarming holiday cheer!
Ava has always felt like the "square peg" of her family. But she never gives up or quits. When she moves to Alaska, she has a plan and per usual, her family doesn't understand why she wants to make a career doing Web Design. It just doesn't use the sales skill that her family is famous for. If she doesn't get away to make it on her own, she's going to lose it. Zac is crazy about his small town and the beauty of Alaska. As the town's Baker, he loves the regulars that still frequented the business after he took over when his grandma passed and left him all of her recipes. When he left the Army, he moved there, built his cabin with his own hands. He loves baking but he would really like to get married and start a family. Big man, big heart. When they meet, she finds herself at a loss for words. Not only is he gorgeous but he knows his way around a Sticky Bun! Zac finds her just as attractive and he would love to give her "Sticky Buns"! In a small town where everyone knows you, including the two gray haired match-makers, who with a little help from the weather, are determined to make sure the two of them get together. The more time they spend together, the more time they crave each other's company. Soon they both realize that they're both feeling things they've never felt before. When tragedy strikes, will it pull them apart or draw them even closer together? Hot springs and Northern lights, these two are smoking together! Grab this steamy Christmas romance.
I was so excited to start reading this book! Winter time set in Alaska mixed with romance...what’s not to love? The book was a little predictable at times, but I didn’t mind. The characters were easy to fall in love with and I throughly enjoyed the storyline. The side characters were fun and hilarious. I do wish the ending had been a bit longer though, I felt it ended abruptly. But that could be good if there’s a second book in mind!
Reading The Sugarplum Fairy gave me the feelings I get watching a Christmas Hallmark movie-warm and ready for the holidays! The book left me wanting to put up my Christmas tree and make sugar cookies.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone who is wanting a romance read around the holidays that leaves you feeling happy!
This book… it made my heart flutter and left me with the hugest smile on my face. The Sugarplum Fairy is the definition of a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form with some deliciously spicy scenes thrown in for good measure. Ava and Zac are completely adorable and I love how their friendship blossoms into so much more. Ava is smart and strong willed and I love her determination and sense of humor. Zac is a complete cinnamon roll who likes to let his dominance out to play when things get hot and heavy. All the side characters made me smile and giggle so much. They are cute and quirky and provide the perfect “family” feel for this small town.
If you love; Small Town Romance, Friends to Lovers and Hallmark Christmas feels, then this book is for you!
I received this book from the author for an honest review. When I first staged reading this book I automatically felt like I was in a Xmas movie. This book is well written and the story is absolutely incredible. It is based in a small town in Alaska. The Sugarplum fairy a love story that has all the settings of a Hallmark Christmas movie and more. We have Zac and Ava Ava that moves to the small town in Alaska and feels alone and is not connecting with no one. She meets Zac The Sugarplum Fairy and owner of the town bakery that inherited . This book will make you feel so good and fuzzy and calm after reading it. I will add this book to my Christmas reading collection. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recipe for a five-star romantic comedy 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons spice, 1 swoonworthy ex-Army, baker hero, 1 kickass heroine searching for a life change 3 meddling octogenarians
Mix well and garnish with the Northern Lights. I very much enjoyed this cute story of found family. There was very little angst…I mean, as the only two single people under the age of forty in the remote Alaskan town, it was kind of a foregone conclusion they would get together. Watching the trio of Bette, Alice, and Ira stir the pot was a fun bonus, though.
Using my new three pronged rating system: 5+🥰, 3 🔥, 5 ⭐️. Will recommend.
✔️ Small Town ✔️ Lust at first sight ✔️ Bakery Setting ✔️ Meddling older side characters ✔️ Ex-Military MMC
Ava moves to a small part of Alaska, not feeling connected to her family she warms for people to connect to. Enter the Sugarplum Fairy 🥰 Zac is ex military who inherits the bakery from his late nana.
I loved the hallmark movie element of it. I loved the meddling older side characters.
This book will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It will certainly make you look forward to the holidays. It���s defo a good one to add to your TBR for the holiday season.
5☆ I absolutely loved this books. It's basically a Hallmark Movie in books form (I love Hallmark movies) It's sweet, little sad, and downright adorable. With a town full of older crazy folk- that are adorable and hilarious- and a surprise being that's my absolute favorite being..
I went through three emotions in the last couple chapter and it was worth it.
A book you should definitely read, even if you don't like Hallmark movies. (:
This was the cutest story ever! The plot, twist, sprinkle of spice, and the comedy was perfect! Small towns/villages were represent so well and the characters were hilarious! I'm in between series, didn't want to burn out, so I started listen to this and I love it! So light and airy compared to my normal reads. My 1st romcom so I'm definitely going to be reading more! Piper Collins thank you so much for the Audiobook 😍
What a sweet, small town, Christmas romance! Ava moves to a small town in Alaska to start anew. The people she meets are quirky, fun, and loyal! Ava learns what it’s like to have the true meaning of “family”. It also helps when Zac just happens to be a big part of this community!
The Sugarplum Fairy is a great book to read during the holidays! It has your romance and even some spice! I loved it!
This was such a cute Christmas read. I've related so much to Ava. I wish I could just up and leave and put distance between some of my family. To have the guts to do that on your own takes a lot of strength. I admire that. And the whole viking baker thing, swoon. All o could picture was Charlie hunnam in King Arthur, so the reference he's a mixture of Charlie hunnum and Chris Hemsworth was perfect. I absolutely loved this book and it's characters, especially the 3 crazy old crew lol and Jim.