Christmas Cake Kisses by Lena Goldfinch

Malcolm Ashbury, the Earl of Kentwick married Arabella for her large dowry. His estate was in disrepair, and Arabella's father, a man from humble beginnings, thought that the title for his daughter would be the perfect match. While Malcolm is kind and courteous to her, his staff is suspicious and protective of him. Arabella has such a sweet nature she hopes to win them over soon. Hoping to make Christmas special for her new husband, Arabella ventures down to the Cook's domain to enquire about baking him his favorite cake. A luscious affair that would challenge even the most practiced baker. When Arabella chances to hear part of a conversation between Malcolm and his best friend all thoughts of making a cake flee and insecurities arise that threaten this fledgling marriage.

Such a sweet Victorian short story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The description of the cake was mouth-watering. Chocolate y'all! The characters are both very likable, especially Arabella. Even though this was a short story, it had all of the elements of a story that keep the reader interested. There was romance, the fly-in-the-ointment, and the Happily Ever After. A perfect Christmastime read that will have you sighing with satisfaction when you come to the ending. And look at that cover! It reminds me of old-time Grace Livingston Hill covers which I was always drawn to.