Jennifer Page’s writing journey started when she was 8 with a handwritten story about ponies, bound in sticky-back plastic and optimistically sent to Puffin Books. 45 years later, she finally had her first novel published – a cosy romance called The Little Board Game Café. There are now four books in this popular series.

Her fifth novel, The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery, will be published in October.

Prior to becoming an author, Jennifer’s path took several turns. She learned Dutch, taught music in primary schools, directed operas, and produced several episodes of BBC1’s Songs of Praise. She even lived on a narrowboat for a time.

Jennifer lives in Cheshire with her husband Hermi, labradors Pete and Josh, and Hermi’s extensive collection of board games – the inspiration for that debut novel! Alongside her writing, she’s a volunteer puppy raiser for Guide Dogs and enjoys cooking, caravan holidays, and countryside walks. Her website is https://jenniferpage.co.uk.

The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery    

Louise Dearnley has spent her life editing perfectly neat love stories, where heartbreak leads to fresh starts, charming small businesses bloom, and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.

But now in her forties, she’s quit her job – and no, she doesn’t want to talk about why – and returned home to Applethwaite, the small Yorkshire village where she grew up. Starting over doesn’t feel nearly so much fun in real life as it does in fiction.

It also doesn’t help that her mother is convinced she’s here to run the family bakery, especially as the locals can’t get enough of Louise’s legendary ginger cake and scrumptious scones. Between renovations, a quirky ex-stepdaughter (who’s unexpectedly come to stay) and a gorgeous Italian who seems too good to be true, Louise’s second chance begins to take shape.

After a lifetime spent polishing other people’s happy endings, will Louise finally have one of her own?